In recognition of February being Black History Month, the Municipality of Chatham-Kent will conduct a flag raising at the Civic Centre on King Street in Chatham on Tuesday, February 1, 2022.
In partnership with Chatham-Kent’s Black historical sites, various municipal representatives will be on hand to take part in a short ceremony at 12 p.m.
The flag raising commences a month of activities planned by Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, The Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and Black Mecca Museum and Uncle Tom’s Cabin & Historic Site.
Speaking on behalf of the sites, Buxton Museum Curator, Shannon Prince, says, “We thank you for sharing Black history with us, as a reminder that Black history is ‘our’ history, and it’s Canadian History. We would love to celebrate the trailblazing Black men and women who built Chatham-Kent. Without them, the community wouldn’t be what it is today.”
Chatham-Kent Tourism is proud to take part in the event and is promoting all virtual and in-person activities associated with the month.
These activities can be found online at www.visitck.ca.
“We are honoured to share the important part in Canadian history that Chatham-Kent played as we commemorate Black History Month. We, as always, hope this is just a stepping-stone in the path to celebrate the many achievements of Black Canadians year-round,” said Supervisor of Tourism Development, Shannon Paiva, in a press release.
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their role in Canadian History.
Once considered a destination for freedom seekers, Chatham-Kent was home to some of the most successful Black settlements.
