While Black History Month provides space to reflect, it’s also a time to look ahead and “pave the way for a more equitable and compassionate Peterborough.”
These are the sentiments shared by Patricia Wilson and the Community Race Relations Committee of Peterborough (CRRC).
Wilson, CRRC’s coordinator and founder of Diverse Nature Collective, offered her insight about the importance of Black History Month, which begins February 1 and runs through to the end of the month.
“Embracing Black History Month is not just about commemorating the past, it’s also about acknowledging and celebrating diversity within Black communities and deepens our communities’ understanding of the rich culture and traditions across the Black diaspora,” Wilson told kawarthaNOW.
“When we honour Black history, we create space to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of our collective community and work to pave the way for a more equitable and compassionate Peterborough — a Peterborough that genuinely cares for those affected by injustice, discrimination and racism, and strives to foster broader connections and cross-cultural understanding.”
The CRRC is a community-based organization committed to “encouraging and promoting sound race relations in Peterborough.”
The group formed in the early 1980s in response to racist attacks on international students at Trent University and Fleming College with the objective of raising awareness, educating, and documenting issues of racism in the Peterborough community, CRRC’s website notes. The organization was incorporated in 1988.
City of Peterborough Mayor Jeff Leal will proclaim February as Black History Month during a launch event hosted by the CRRC at the Peterborough Public Library (345 Aylmer St. N.) from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday (February 1).
“Black History Month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black Canadians in our city,” Leal said in a media release. “Please join our community as we mark the start of this important month.”
Registration is required to attend the launch event, which features keynote speaker Shanique Victoria Edwards, who is the lead researcher for Black Mental Health Canada and a member of Black Mental Health Canada’s circle of leaders. Edwards is a psychotherapist who specializes in racial trauma and BIPOC mental health.
Other speakers include Christine Maclin, a local activist and secretary/treasurer for Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, who will speak about her personal journey navigating through mental health, self-discovery, and healing, and Sahira Q, a local activist and artist who will share a speech and performance during the event.
For updates from the CRRC, follow the organization on Facebook at facebook.com/racerelationspeterborough.
Below are a few Black History Month activities and February programs hosted by the City of Peterborough.
The Peterborough Museum and Archives (300 Hunter St. E.) will host a children’s craft activity that recognizes Black History Month, as well as offer children’s books in the reading nook. The activities are self-guided and free of charge, available during the museum’s regular hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends). Admission is by donation.
Reem Ali, the City of Peterborough’s diversity, equity, and inclusion advisor, will be hosting an Instagram live conversation with the CRRC’s Patricia Wilson starting at 10 a.m. on Friday (February 2). All are invited to tune in at instagram.com/cityptbo (an Instagram account is not required).
The Peterborough Public Library (345 Aylmer St. N.) is offering the following events during Black History Month:
- February 5-17: “Celebrate Black Voices” book displays in both the children’s and adult areas
- February 10: A screening of the children’s movies Hair Love and The Princess and the Frog
- February 13: Film & Discussion: Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody
- February 15: Tween Book Club: Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds
- February 24: A screening of the 2023 children’s movie Little Mermaid starring Halle Bailey
- February 27: Adult Book Club: Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour
For more details, visit calendar.ptbolibrary.ca.
