'Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now': Community invited to wide variety of Newmarket Black History Month events in February

Flag-raising on Feb. 1 kicks off event

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 18, 2024
Lisa Queen

The community is invited to take part in a wide variety of activities for Black History Month in Newmarket in February.

The theme for this year is “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now: Telling Our Story, Writing Our History.”

“When we celebrate and we recognize the achievements of Black Canadians, we broaden our understanding of who we are, our collective identity and our identity as a nation,” Jerisha Grant-Hall, chair of the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA), said in a video address to the community.

Mayor John Taylor also encouraged residents to take part in the many activities.

“Of course, it’s so important that we understand Black history from the perspective of the lived experience of Black Canadians and Black members of our community,” he said in a video statement.

“So, of course, ‘telling our story and writing our history’ is at the core of that idea.”

NACCA and the town are promoting the following events:

Flag-raising ceremony Feb. 1, from 11:30 a.m. to noon, at the municipal offices at 395 Mulock Dr. NACCA and the town “are coming together to honour the rich heritage, diverse culture and invaluable contributions of people of African descent to our community. This ceremony is a symbol of our commitment to advancing the United Nations declaration of recognition, justice and development for the people of African descent, 2015 to 2024.”

Falls illumination Feb. 9, from dusk to 11 p.m., at Riverwalk Commons at 200 Doug Duncan Dr. “The display is a celebration of the richness of African heritage, showcasing the beauty and diversity of our communities.”

Black history reception and celebration Feb. 3, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Old Town Hall at 460 Botsford St. Admission is free. The event features live entertainment, featured guests, keynote address, dance, spoken word and more. The reception takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The popular Ujamaa Black-Owned Marketplace, running from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., allows you to meet and shop from talented local artisans.

Film screening and discussion of "Living in Colour," presented by Black Rivers Alliance, Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Newmarket Public Library at 438 Park Ave. Admission is free. “There is growing awareness in Black communities that documentary and film evidence can be used as an empowering tool for story-making, history-making and change,” noted organizers.

Speaker Series with Natasha Henry-Dixon. The presentation, Writing Our History, will take place Feb. 21, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the library at 438 Park Ave. Admission is free. “Natasha Henry-Dixon is an assistant professor of African Canadian History at York University. The 2018 Vanier scholar is researching the enslavement of Black people in early Ontario...Through her various professional, academic, and community roles, Natasha's work is grounded in her commitment to research, collect, preserve, and disseminate the histories of Black Canadians.”

Art exhibit and contest Feb. 3 to 28 at the Old Town Hall at 460 Botsford Street. Admission is free. “The talented artists behind the pieces use their unique perspectives and artistic vision to convey the message of reclamation and empowerment...The theme of the exhibit centres on the power of storytelling as a mode of resistance against systemic erasure, silencing, and marginalization of Black Canadian history and experiences. The purpose is to highlight how art can serve as a tool for cultural expression and advocacy for Black Canadians.”

Elman W. Campbell Museum exhibit from Feb. 3 to 28 at the museum at 134 Main St. S. Open Tuesdays to Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free. “Learn about local Black contributions through a new historical exhibit on early Black pioneers such as Henry Hisson, Taylor Tamar, Edward Provost, Henry Thomas Shepher. Through interactive displays and educational programming, you will gain a deeper understanding of the struggles and triumphs that have shaped Black history in our local area and across the country. We hope that this exhibit will inspire conversations and reflections on the ongoing fight for racial justice and equality," organizers said.

"It is a chance to recognize the resilience, resistance and invaluable contributions of Black Canadians in the face of adversity and to acknowledge the important role they have played in shaping our society.”