February is Black History Month in Canada and there are plenty of opportunities throughout Chatham-Kent for the public to mark the significance. “This a time to celebrate the achievements of Black Canadians and reflect on the stories, experiences and accomplishments of the country’s Black community, past and present. With heroic Underground Railroad narratives, impactful inventions and recent policies in support of Black youth development, there’s much to celebrate this month,” says Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site, Site Manager, Steven Cook.
Chatham-Kent is proud to be home to three famous black history sites; Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site, Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and Black Mecca Museum, and Buxton Museum and National Historic Site. Together, these sites share and celebrate Black History throughout the year, and help to highlight this history annually for Black History Month as a time to reflect, remember and celebrate our rich historical roots with the Underground Railroad.
Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site in Dresden is hosting a “Family Fun Day”, which will include a book signing by Chef Patience Chirisa, author of Za & Zoey series of children’s books. Guided tours, arts and crafts for all children, along with light snacks and refreshments will all be available on February 17 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
“Celebrating Black History month allows us to pause, honour, and remember the stories of our ancestors’ stories so we can commemorate their achievements. Celebrating also creates an awareness and we should feel inspired, by their rich legacies, to continue their work as we are all standing on the shoulders of giants!” says Shannon Prince, Curator of the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum.
Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, along with Buxton’s Next Generation, are pleased to present “Celebrating Black History”, with a special guest book reading by author Yejide Kilanko on February 22 from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
“Black history is Chatham-Kent’s history and though it’s important to recognize this history in February we must also remember to celebrate this history year-round. February is a great reminder of the achievements of Black Canadians and the impact they have made on not only our local history but our nation’s history. Take time to reflect, remember and celebrate this February,” says CKBHS & Black Mecca Museum Executive Director-Curator, Samantha Meredith.
On February 8, 10:30am, Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and Black Mecca Museum are hosting “Black Women First: The Story of Bessie Coleman” at the Chatham Branch Library. All ages are welcome to hear the story of Bessie Coleman, the first African-American female pilot.
Chatham-Kent Public Library is also featuring weekly movies in celebration of Black History Month that have been chosen in consultation with Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society. Movies will be shown every Tuesday in February at 2 p.m. in the Chatham Branch.
Chatham-Kent is also home to the Ontario Genealogy Society’s Kent Branch, where descendants of fugitive slaves, and those with black ancestry can trace their roots and gain knowledge about details in how, when and where their ancestors arrived in Canada. The Kent Branch is located within the Chatham-Kent Public Library and invites members of the public to research Wednesdays through Saturdays, from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Cultural Centre in Chatham is celebrating Black History month with a Khari McClelland concert at Studio One on February 29 at 8:00 p.m and a new exhibit at the Thames Art Gallery, “Legends are the Rivers that Take Us Home”, open through March 15, 2020. This exhibit celebrates a collection of storytellers and storytelling through art based on sound, fine craftsmanship, film-making, dance, movement, and space.
Make 2020 the year to connect with Chatham-Kent’s world renowned Underground Railroad sites. For a downloadable brochure about the three sites and to learn more, visit: www.visitck.ca/undergroundrailroad.
For a full detailed list of Black History Month events and links visit, https://www.chatham-kent.ca/Tourism/things-to-do/black-history-month-events.
