Celebrate Black Heritage Month with Guelph Black Heritage Society

The Guelph Black Heritage Society (GBHS), in collaboration with the University of Guelph’s Cultural Diversity Office and the Guelph Black Students Association, has announced it will recognize February 2021 as Black “Heritage” Month. 

For over 25 years, February has been referred to as Black History Month in Canada, following a motion introduced by the Honourable Jean Augustine – the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament. Celebrating the past has always been the focal point of Black History Month. In 2021, the Guelph Black Heritage Society and its partners have decided to do things a little differently. 

“This month will commemorate past and present accomplishments within the Black community, and set sights on our bright future ahead,” explains Denise Francis, GBHS president. “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.”

During Black “Heritage” Month 2021, the GBHS will feature its #ChangeStartsNow initiative, providing virtual educational programming on Black heritage and culture as well as relevant resources on diversity, discrimination and anti-racism:

• AFTERSHOCK Art Show Opening Ceremony – Monday, February 1 at 6 p.m. (continues throughout February)
• Black Leadership in Anti-Black Spaces with MPP Laura Mae Lindo – Thursday, February 4 at 6 p.m.
• The Anti-Black Racism Workshop with Selam Debs – Wednesday, February 10 at 6 p.m.
• Black + Mental Health + Matters Workshop – Wednesday, February 17 at 6 p.m.
• Fourth Friday at the Guelph Civic Museum featuring Lifeandthetribe music by Aisha Barrow – Friday, February 26 at 7 p.m.

All virtual events are free, donations encouraged. For more information, please visit the GBHS website. 

The GBHS is building the resources to empower our community to connect to our Black history, present and future. The Top 100+ List is a posting of GBHS-recommended resources (books, movies, videos, etc.) for those seeking factual, curated information on Black history and issues.

Whether you read a GBHS-recommended book or take in a virtual event in February, the GBHS calls on the Guelph community to honour the past, celebrate today and look toward the future.