The public is invited to attend the York Regional Police Black History Month celebration on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020, at 10:30 a.m., at the York Regional Police headquarters at 47 Don Hillock Dr. in Aurora. There is no cost to attend. Food and refreshments will be available after the program.
It Takes a Village is the theme of this year’s celebration, where we will be highlighting the rich history of our past and how that past has shaped our future. The master of ceremonies for the event will be CBC Toronto’s Dwight Drummond. Special vocal performances by George St. Kitts, along with Burundi dancers and steel pan performers will also be featured.
“This year’s theme It Takes a Village speaks to the importance of the police and our citizens joining together to create a safe and inclusive region for everyone,” said Chief Eric Jolliffe. “York Regional Police is committed to building positive, cohesive and engaged communities and it is my pleasure to invite our citizens to join us in celebrating 24 years of Black History Month in Canada.”
Black History Month was formally recognized in the City of Toronto through the efforts of Dr. Daniel G. Hill of the Ontario Black History Society in 1979. Dr. Rosemary Sadlier, Past President of the OBHS, solicited the help of former MP and Parliamentary Secretary Jean Augustine to have Black History Month declared a national celebration. The bill was passed in the House of Commons in 1995 and Black History Month was celebrated nationally for the first time in February 1996.
For more information or to RSVP, please contact the Special Events Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7774, or by email at [email protected].
