Historical sites in Chatham-Kent are marking this year's Black History Month with a variety of virtual events.
The month will kick off with a flag-raising at the Civic Centre in Chatham on Tuesday at 12 p.m. The flag-raising is being held in partnership with the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, The Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and Black Mecca Museum, and Uncle Tom’s Cabin & Historic Site.
"Black History Month is a time to celebrate the achievements of Black Canadians and reflect on the stories, experiences and accomplishments of those that escaped seeking freedom in Canada," said Shannon Prince, curator of the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum.
Prince said the museum will be hosting guest Funké Aladejebi, an author and professor with a specialization in Black Canadian history in the 20th century, on February 10 at 5 p.m. The free event will be held over Zoom.
Aladejebi will be sharing her insight into a recently released book called Schooling The System: A History of Black Women Teachers
"Chatham Kent has so much to offer, right here in our backyard," said Prince. "We have a rich Black History which maybe some are unaware. We encourage people to visit and explore the sites."
Throughout the month, Prince said she will be posting events on the museum's Facebook.
While Uncle Tom’s Cabin & Historic Site located in Dresden is closed to the public, residents can take virtual tours of the museum.
“We thank you for sharing Black history with us, as a reminder that Black history is ‘our’ history, and it’s Canadian History," said Prince. "We would love to celebrate the trailblazing Black men and women who built Chatham-Kent - without them, the community wouldn’t be what it is today”.
A schedule of the upcoming events taking place in Chatham-Kent in February can be found by clicking here.
