February 1, 2021
 
This February, the Guelph Black Heritage Society (GBHS) calls on the community to help honour the past, celebrate today, and look toward the future, building goodwill and better friendships.
 
Since 1995, February has been celebrated as Black History Month in Canada. In Guelph, the month of February has mostly highlighted past contributions by Black historical figures. 
 
From 2021, the Guelph Black Heritage Society and its partners (the University of Guelph’s Cultural Diversity Office and the Guelph Black Student’s Association) have decided to do things a little differently, by celebrating Black Heritage Month.
 
“This month will commemorate past and present accomplishments within the Black community and set sights on our bright future ahead,” reads a press release from the GBHS. “While we will continue to acknowledge the resilience and bravery of those who came before us, we must recognize that Black history and experiences are much more than the narrative of slavery.”
 
Several events in February will take place in support of the #ChangeStartsNow education initiative.  

#CHANGESSTARTSNOW – BLACK HERITAGE MONTH FEBRUARY 2021

 

The following FREE online events will be presented in during Black Heritage Month, with donations welcomed by the GBHS, a registered charity.

 

AFTERSHOCK Art Show – Monday February 1, 2021 @ 6pm 

Aftershock is a mixed media art installation showcasing the creations of aspiring young artists in Guelph and the surrounding area. The Aftershock opening ceremony will feature a panel/Q&A discussion with the featured artists. The art show will be displayed throughout the month via the online. To register for the event: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/aftershock-art-display-tickets-136301006981

 

Black Leadership in Anti-Black Spaces with Laura Mae Lindo, MPP Kitchener Centre – Thurs. February 4, 2021 @ 6pm

Join Dr. Laura Mae Lindo in a conversation about what it means to Lead While Black in an Anti-Black World. To register for the event: Black Leadership in Anti-Black Spaces with MPP Laura Mae Lindo Tickets, Thu, 4 Feb 2021 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite

Dr. Laura Mae Lindo. Photo from GBHS press release.

 

The Anti-Black Racism Workshop with Selam Debs – Wednesday February 10, 2021 @ 6pm. 

Through the Antiracism Workshop with Selam Debs, she will speak from her lived experience as a Black Ethiopian Womxn and her study in Antiracism, Anti-Oppression, Black Sovereignty and Critical Race Theory. To register for the event: The Anti-Black Racism Workshop with Selam Debs Tickets, Wed, 10 Feb 2021 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite


Salem Debs. Anti-Black Racism workshop facilitator. Photo from GBHS press release.

 

Black + Mental Health + Matters Workshop – Wednesday February 17, 2021 @ 6pm. 

Black + Mental Health + Matters workshop is designed to be a place of refuge for Black people. Knowing that Black humans in North America face unique and specific barriers to mental wellness, this workshop provides a place for them to be seen and heard, both collectively and individually. Equipping participants with tools to help them heal and thrive, Black + Mental Health + Matters uses creative practices to center and uplift. To register for the event: Guelph Black Students Association presents: Black + Mental Health + Matters Tickets, Wed, Feb 17, 2021 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite

 

Fourth Friday at the Guelph Civic Museum – Friday February 26, 2021 @ 7pm. 

Featuring a musical performance by Aisha Barrow. Lifeandthetribe is the new R&B and Pop project from singer/songwriter Aisha Barrow. Drawing from diverse influences Lifeandthetribe has a bold, fresh, and new sound that that can be best described as an amalgamation of Jazz, R&B, and Pop. After the successful release of their debut EP, Eye-sha: Extended, Lifeandthetribe is currently in process of recording their first full length album, slated for release in 2021. For more information: Fourth Friday: Lifeandthetribe - Guelph Museums

Singer/songwriter Aisha Barrow. Photo from GBHS press release.

 

 

ABOUT THE GUELPH BLACK HERITAGE SOCIETY

Proceeds from Black Heritage Month events will support the #ChangeStartsNow education initiative. The Guelph Black Heritage Society (GBHS) is a registered charity. Registration # 80158 3907 RR0001. Tax receipts will be issued for donations $25 or greater. https://www.guelphblackheritage.ca/donate/

Established in 2011, the mission of the Guelph Black Heritage Society is to restore and maintain Heritage Hall, originally known as the British Methodist Episcopal (BME) Church, built in 1880 by former fugitive slaves who arrived in the area via the Underground Railroad. Our mandate is to preserve the Heritage Hall as a cultural heritage building, representing the historical, present, and continued influence of the Black community on the quality of life in Guelph/Wellington and across the county. This is achieved by raising awareness in Guelph of both local (Guelph and Wellington County) and national Black heritage as well as addressing social issues of importance to Black Canadian communities.