Vaughan celebrates Black History Month with events throughout February

Multiple events scheduled to honour the achievements of Black Canadians and many diverse Black communities

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 9, 2023
Brian Capitao

The City of Vaughan will commemorate Black History Month throughout February by hosting multiple events honouring the achievements of Black Canadians and many diverse Black communities.

“This is a time to learn about the unique and inspiring stories of Black Canadians and their important role in the growth, development and history of our city, province and country,” said Mayor Steven Del Duca in a press release. “Celebrating Black History Month provides an opportunity to reflect, recognize and remember the people and events in the African diaspora that changed the course of history.”

Sunday, Feb. 12

The first of these events to kick things off will be the City of Vaughan’s signature Black History Month event on Sunday, Feb. 12, and will be emceed by CP24’s Eden Debebe. The event will take place at Vaughan City Hall (2141 Major Mackenzie Dr. W.), from 2 to 4 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 13

Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) will celebrate Black excellence in STEM Careers: Diversity in Engineering. This special showcase will feature a presentation by Gary Thompson, P. Eng, electrical engineer and energy specialist. Thompson will share his experiences and opportunities for success in the STEM field. Residents are invited to join virtually and watch via Zoom at 7 p.m. and can register to participate.

Wednesday, Feb. 22

Residents are invited to watch a special screening of "Steadfast: The Messenger and the Message", an autobiography based on the life and exploits of the Honourable Jean Augustine, at the City Playhouse Theatre (1000 New Westminster Dr.) from 6 to 8 p.m. Further details will be posted on Vaughan.ca/culture once available.

Wednesday, Feb. 22

The VPL’s Kids’ Book Club Read is welcoming kids in grades three to grade seven for a book read of "New Kid" by Jerry Craft at the Dufferin Clark Library (1441 Clark Ave. W.) at 6:30 p.m. The book tells a story of a 12-year-old African-American boy who experiences culture shock when joining a private school. Visit https://www.vaughanpl.info/programs/view/100 to learn more.

Tuesday, Feb. 28

VPL will host Between the Lines: A Book Club about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Pierre Berton Resource Library (4921 Rutherford Rd). Beginning at 7 p.m., residents are invited to join and discuss "The Skin We’re In" by Desmond Cole -- a book about the injustices faced by Black Canadians, including racist policing, the failing education system and discriminatory immigration laws. You can register here to participate.

You can learn more about the city’s Black History Month events at https://www.vaughan.ca/events/ BHM.