Black History Month
Black History Month:
"It is a time to commemorate wonderful Canadians and their trailblazing legacies and it is important for us to learn our Canadian history."
Shannon Prince - Curator Buxton Historic Site & Museum
Click HERE to watch the video
During the month of February, we have an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Black Canadians and reflect on their stories, their experiences,and their accomplishments. The St.Clair Catholic District School Board has pulled together a selection of resources and opportunities that honor Black History and offer learning for not only the month of February but as a stepping stone to continue learning beyond the month. The 2023 theme for Black History Month is: “Ours to tell”. This theme represents both an opportunity to engage in open dialogue and a commitment to learning more about the stories Black communities in Canada have to tell about their histories, successes, sacrifices and triumphs. Click here for details.
This story is available for free to encourage parents, teachers and librarians to bring the story of John Ware to a new generation of Canadians. Despite experiencing enslavement, war, and discrimination, this gifted horseman blazed a trail of kindness, and became one of Canada's most loved and respected pioneer ranchers.
Howdy, I’m John Ware features the work of artist Hugh Rookwood and was animated by Steve Gervais of Cochrane over several months.
Local Black Historic Sites to Explore
Buxton National Historic Site: Buxton National Historic Site aims to provide educational programming to support students in gaining a better understanding of the roots of racial prejudices, as well as the progress that has been made since the era of the Underground Railroad, in eradicating those prejudices from our society. The museum's main purpose is to collect, preserve, exhibit, and interpret historical artifacts related to the Elgin (Buxton) Settlement from its founding in 1849 to the late 19th century. Click here to take an interactive tour.
Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society/Black Mecca Museum: The Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society celebrates black history in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and the City of Chatham. Click here to take a virtual tour.
Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History: The Josiah Henson Museum commemorates the life of Rev. Josiah Henson (1796-1883). This historic site recognizes Rev. Henson's contributions to the abolition movement and his work in the Underground Railroad, as well as his connection to Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin.
Amherstburg Freedom Museum: The Amherstburg Freedom Museum previously known as ‘the North American Black Historical Museum’, is located in Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada. It is a community-based, non-profit museum that tells the story of African-Canadians’ history and contributions. Founded in 1975 by local residents of Amherstburg, it preserves, presents artifacts and tells the story of African-Canadians’ journey and contributions, by preserving and presenting artifacts that educate and inspire.
What's Happening in Chatham-Kent!
Emailing Black_History_Month_5_.pdfClick the pdf to download the full flyer of events happening locally!
What's Happening in Sarnia-Lambton!
Anti-Racism Arts Challenge for 2023
anti-black racism ART CONTEST POSTER- FINAL.pdfLIP Anti Racism Outcomes Report[2305843009213880856].pdffinal rules for arts competition.docxThe 2023 Anti-Black Racism Arts Challenge will start on February 1 and run until February 14, 2023. The winners will be announced on February 15-16, 2023. All Sarnia-Lambton students in grades 7-12 within all school boards in Lambton are eligible to enter in this arts challenge. See attached poster and rules document for the competition.