With Black History Month just over a week away, the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association is planning several virtual events over the course of February to celebrate.
"Black History Month is a time to celebrate the contributions and achievements of Black Canadians and affirm the identities of Black students,” says chairperson Jerisha Grant-Hall.
“But it is also a time to have bold and authentic conversations and re-imagine the possible for Black Canadians.”
Starting on Feb. 1, there will be a flag-raising ceremony to "promote respect, protection and fulfillment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms of people of African descent within the Town of Newmarket."
This will be streamed on via Instagram and Facebook.
On Feb. 5, a podcast will be released with a discussion with Simone King on the topic of re-imagining and redefining what it means to be Black.
On Feb. 6, there will be a virtual reception and celebration featuring live entertainment, featured guests and spoken word poetry. Those who want to attend need to register in advance to get the Zoom chat link.
On Feb. 13, there will be a moderated panel discussion on "empowerment and advocacy: personal resilience and resolve."
Dr. Jean Augustine, the first Black woman elected to the House of Commons and championed legislation recognizing Black History Month in Canada, will be the headliner of this panel. Click here to register.
On Feb. 18, the Riverwalk Commons falls will be illuminated with lights.
On Feb. 25, journalist, author and activist Desmond Cole will be reading from his first book, The Skin We're In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power.
The Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association can be contacted at [email protected]. More information is available on the organization's website.
