Art and museum exhibits, a film screening and speaker series are among the highlights of this year's Black History Month events in February, presented by the Town of Newmarket, Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) and sponsor Magna International.
"This year’s theme, Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now: Telling our Story, Writing our History, delves into conversations about how Black Canadians are using storytelling as a mode of resistance to counteract the systemic erasure, silencing, and marginalizing of Black Canadian history and experience," according to a Town of Newmarket news release.
“As a community, when we recognize and celebrate the achievements and experiences of Black Canadians, we broaden our understanding of our collective history and identity as a nation,” said Jerisha Grant-Hall, chairperson and founder of NACCA.
“Black History Month is an opportunity to acknowledge and address the ongoing challenges faced by Black communities and continue to create a more inclusive and just society for everyone. NACCA is committed to this all year round and we believe that, while working with our partners, this month is an important opportunity to highlight and amplify the voices of Black Canadians.”
Free events for Black History Month presented by Magna International include:
- Pan-African flag-raising ceremony — Thursday, Feb. 1 at 11:30 a.m. at the Municipal Offices, 395 Mulock Dr.
- The Pan-African flag will be raised at the Municipal Offices to commemorate Black History Month and to honour the heritage, diverse culture and invaluable contributions of people of African descent to our community.
- Black History Month reception, art exhibition and Ujamaa Marketplace — Saturday, Feb. 3 from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford St.
- The community is invited to a reception featuring live entertainment; a keynote address from special guest Wes Hall, entrepreneur and founder of BlackNorth Initiative; dance; spoken word and more. The popular Ujamaa Black-Owned Marketplace will be open from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with talented local artisans. Register at the link above.
- Black History Month art exhibit — Feb. 3 to 29 at Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford St.
- This year’s exhibit interpreting the theme, Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now: Telling Our Story, Writing Our History, is a powerful showcase of Black Canadian history and experiences. The talented artists behind the pieces use their unique perspectives and artistic vision to convey the message of reclamation and empowerment.
- Museum exhibit — Feb. 3 to 29 at the Elman W. Campbell Museum, 134 Main St. S.
- Explore the many achievements of Black individuals and communities through interactive displays and gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs that have shaped Black history in Newmarket and across the country.
- Evening falls illumination — Friday, Feb. 9 (dusk) at Riverwalk Commons, 200 Doug Duncan Dr.
- Newmarket’s Fred A. Lundy Bridge will be lit yellow and green in honour of Black History Month and to celebrate African heritage and the beauty and diversity of our communities.
- Film screening: Living in Colour and Archives of Ontario presentation — Wednesday, Feb. 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Newmarket Public Library, 438 Park Ave.
- Written and delivered by the Black Rivers Alliance, Living in Colour is a documentary that features conversations about Black culture, the reception of Caribbean and African cultures by immigrants and the descendants of immigrants across Canada and the Greater Toronto Area. The evening will also feature a talk entitled Reclaiming the Narrative: Black Archives at the Archives of Ontario, with special guest Melissa J. Nelson, an award-winning archivist, writer, and educator based in Toronto. Register at the link above.
- Speaker series: Writing Our History with Dr. Natasha Henry-Dixon — Wednesday, Feb. 21 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Newmarket Public Library, 438 Park Ave.
- Hear from Dr. Natasha Henry-Dixon during this interactive presentation and interview. Henry-Dixon is an assistant professor of African Canadian history at York University and a 2018 Vanier Scholar and is researching the enslavement of Black people in early Ontario. Register at the link above.
Learn more about this year’s theme and events at newmarket.ca/blackhistory and naccacommunity.ca.
