Local organizations are aiming to educate Chatham-Kent's youth in black history throughout the month of February.
Samantha Meredith, executive director and curator of the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society, said there are several planned activities this month. However, whereas previous years included more conference-style events geared towards adults, this year's events are targetted towards children.
"I think it's important that the kids get to learn a little more about the history of what has happened in their own backyards," she said. "In schools they [tend] to focus on the Canadian/American stories whereas the museums in town focus on local stories in Chatham, Dresden, and Buxton."
Meredith said events for Black History Month held at Chatham-Kent's museums are free, although donations will be accepted.
One upcoming event is on February 8 at 10:30 a.m. at the library in Chatham, where attendees will learn about Bessie Coleman, the first African-American female pilot. Another event that will teach children about some of the local history, will be held at Uncle Tom's Cabin. On Family Day, tours will be conducted and there will also be a reading and book signing of the Za & Zoe children's series.
“This is a time to celebrate the achievements of black Canadians and reflect on the stories, experiences and accomplishments of the country’s black community, past and present," said Steven Cook, site manager at Uncle Tom’s Cabin Historic Site. "With heroic underground railroad narratives, impactful inventions and recent policies in support of black youth development, there’s much to celebrate this month.”
The Buxton National Historic Site and Museum will also host a kid-friendly event on February 22. There will be a guest book reading and activities from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.
“Celebrating Black History Month allows us to pause, honour, and remember the stories of our ancestors so we can commemorate their achievements. Celebrating also creates an awareness and we should feel inspired, by their rich legacies, to continue their work as we are all standing on the shoulders of giants,” said Shannon Prince, curator of the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum.
Another highlighted item residents are encouraged to see is a new exhibit at the Thames Art Gallery. The exhibit, Legends are the Rivers that Take Us Home, celebrates storytellers through varying forms of art such as craftsmanship, dance, and film-making. In regards to films, the Chatham-Kent Public Library will recognize Black History Month by showing afternoon movies at the library in Chatham.
- February 4 at 2 p.m. – Fruitvale Station (14A)
- February 11 at 2 p.m. – 12 Years a Slave (PG)
- February 18 at 2 p.m. – Amistad (AA)
- February 25 at 2 p.m. – Selma (PG)
