HON. Lincoln Alexander, a former MP, was commemorated on a Canadian stamp, and MP Jean Augustine (right) was one of the first black women in Parliament.
FORMER MP Jean Augustine is still active in the community.
There has been a number of cancellations of Black History Month events this year due to COVID-19.
In the past, there would literally be dozens of Black History celebrations taking place in Canada and the U.S. in February to honour outstanding Black Canadians and Americans.
The celebrations now are all Zoom events. Here at home, Lakeshore Arts is launching a Black History Month campaign called “Treasures of Ours.”
The campaign invites members of the Black community to “share an object of cultural and personal significance to them by submitting its picture or video.”
“We will share these treasures on our social media or celebrate Black Heritage throughout February, and at the end of the month in an online exhibit on our website,” says Sharon Zarita, the group’s Operations Manager.
You can visit them at operations@lakeshorearts.ca or call them at 416-201-7093.
Meanwhile, MPP Christine Hogarth is encouraging members of the community to support Black-owned businesses in the area during Black History Month and beyond.
This is a time that we can celebrate and learn about the achievements of Ontario’s vibrant Black communities who have contributed to the history, culture and social fabric of our province, Hogarth says in a release.
She said the creation of the Premier’s Council on Equality of Opportunity gives the government advice on how young people can overcome social and economic barriers.
Some other events include:
FEB. 8, Zoom event, 2021 Black History Symposium: Honoring the Diversity of Black, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Guests will explore anti-Black racism activism in diverse spaces and the role of post-secondary environments in transforming anti-Black racism advocacy.
FEB. 9 Ontario Black History Society presents a Zoom virtual Speaker Series with president Natasha Henry in conversation with Cheryl Foggo and author Lawrence Hill. Register at https://obhsblackhistorymonthspeakerseries.eventbrite.ca
FEB. 12 FILM SCREENING: Ninth Floor, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Zoom. Film examines the infamous Sir George Williams sit-in that took place in February 1969 that led to the most explosive student uprising Canada had ever known.
FEB. 18 at 7 p. m. – Black History Marks These Places. A Zoom discussion will examine history of Amherstburg Freedom Museum, Buxton Museum, Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site, and the Guelph Black Heritage Society and the important role these existing sites play in preserving and interpreting Black Canadian history.
FEB. 23 at 7 p.m.- Stories of the African Diaspora Storytellers Sandra Whiting and Kesha Christie share rich stories of the African diaspora. Register here https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/part-3-obhs-black-history-month-speaker-series-tickets-138321143263.