Black History Month
Mary Ann Shadd, the ground-breaking abolitionist and first Black woman in North America to publish a newspaper, will be memorialized on this year’s Canadian stamp.
Who Is Mary Ann Shadd? Find out more about this local hero here.
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 2024 theme for Black History Month is: “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build ”. 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.
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
Chatham-Kent Black Excellence Award (BEA) and Gala, hosted by Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, Buxton's Next Generation and Doug the Officiant, on February 10th, 2024 hosted at the Retro Suites, Derby Room in Chatham. Tickets and details HERE
Videos Celebrating Chatham-Kent Black History
Black History in Southwestern Ontario - Seeing Canada, with Brandy Yanchyk
Terrell the Barber - Black History - The Global Barber, with Cedric Small
The Global Barber - Black Mecca Museum - The Global Barber, with Cedric Small
The Global Barber - Buxton Museum - The Global Barber, with Cedric Small
The Global Barber - BME Freedom Park - The Global Barber, with Cedric Small
Still Standing: Buxton, Ontario - Still Standing, with Jonny Harris
Buxton, Ontario: Still Standing - Still Standing, with Jonny Harris
Still Standing: Jonny Harris Meets Cleata Morris - Still Standing, with Jonny Harris
What's Happening in Sarnia-Lambton
The Centre Communautaire Francophone de Sarnia Sarnia-Lambton has partnered with the Imperial Theatre to bring "Afrique en Cirque" to Sarnia. This cultural, acrobatic performance promises to be a highlight on the local stage.
Afrique en Circque will be performed at the Sarnia theatre at 7 p.m. on February 7 and February 8.
Tickets can be purchased online (https://www.imperialtheatre.net/show/afrique-de-cirque/) or through the box office by calling (519) 344-7469.
What's Happening in Windsor-Essex
