GUELPH – For over 25 years, Canadians have celebrated Black History Month in February, following a motion introduced by Jean Augustine, the first Black woman elected to Parliament.
It is a month to celebrate contributions Black historical figures have made to society – celebrating the past has always been the focal point of Black History Month.
Since 2021, February has been known as Black Heritage Month at the Guelph Black Heritage Society (GBHS).
This month commemorates past and present accomplishments within the Black community and sets sights on a bright future, officials state in a press release.
“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 enslavement,” the release continues.
GBHS volunteer Denise Francis told the Advertiser when she thinks back on what she learned as a student in Guelph elementary and high schools, what she remembers about Black history is “Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad.
“We are a lot more than that,” she said. “People don’t realize the Black community has been here [in Guelph and Wellington County] since the 1800s” – before the City of Guelph was incorporated.
During Black Heritage Month the GBHS showcases they many ways Black people contribute to the local community, Francis said.
When she considers all the “great things” young Black people are doing , “today and tomorrow are looking good,” Francis said.
The GBHS is celebrating Black Heritage Month with a concert, Heritage Hall open house, booths at the Guelph Farmers’ Market, Lantern Ale, and Black Vacation Week.
Francis said this is a “scaled down program” compared with other years, to leave more space for people to attend events organized by other groups including the Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region and Rhythm & Blues Cambridge.
Francis encourages people to explore GBHS programming and events beyond February, such as the monthly seniors club and the March Break camp – “there’s no need to cram it all into 28 days.”
“Its great to celebrate in February,” Francis said, but Black communities should also be recognized in “March, April, May, June, and every other month of the year too.”
Guelph Farmers’ Market
On Feb. 3 and 17, GBHS will have a booth at the Guelph Farmers’ Market (2 Gordon St.) from 8am to 1pm.
People can visit the booth to learn more about the GBHS and purchase swag including the GBHS Lantern Brew from Lost Aviator Coffee, tea, mugs, cultural calenders, and driving tour maps of Wellington County.
Celebrating Black music
GBHS is hosting a concert at Royal City Church (50 Quebec St., Guelph) on Feb. 23.
Organizers promise “an incredible celebration of the rich and vibrant history of Black music” during Say It Loud: Celebrating a History of Black Music.
“From soulful blues to electrifying hip-hop, this event will showcase the powerful impact of Black artists on the music industry … Let’s honor the legends and pay tribute to the pioneers who paved the way for generations to come,” officials state.
The concert features: Fergus resident Shane Phillips; hip-hop artist J-One; Toronto singer-songwriter Julian Taylor and producer Elaquent; Guelph-based performers Andrew Craig, Emmitt, Claire Stewart of Shebad, Bry Webb and Midswim; Montreal musician Steph Yates; and JJ Gallo.
Doors open at 7 and the show starts at 7:30pm. Tickets in advance are $25 for adults and $15 for students ($30 and $20 respectively at the door).
For more information or to purchase tickets visit eventbrite.ca.
Heritage Hall Open House
On Feb. 24 GBHS is hosting a Heritage Hall Open House from 1 to 3pm (83 Essex St.).
This free event is open to the public and offers an opportunity to learn information about what GBHS has been up to – including exhibits, tours, programming and events.
Organizers welcome people to bring questions and feedback and learn how the community can support the GBHS.
There will be light refreshments and snacks available. The event is free to attend but donations are welcomed.
For more information or to register visit eventbrite.ca.
Lantern Ale
The Royal City Brewing Company at 199 Victoria Rd. S., Guelph is serving its annual Lantern Ale.
GBHS describes the Ale as “a distinct artisanal brew in honour of Black Heritage Month.”
Lanterns, prior to and during the American Civil War, were used as beacons by “safe” houses along the Underground Railroad,” a network of people and paths that helped enslaved people escape to freedom and to the Queen’s Bush settlement in Wellington County.
“The lantern was not only a sign of a safe haven but a symbol of hard-won freedom,” officials continue.
A portion of Lantern Ale proceeds are donated to GBHS.
Black Vacation Week
GBHS will observe Black Vacation Week from Feb. 26 to 29.
It’s an initiative launched by Kween at the Kween Company in efforts to create time and space for Black individuals during Black Heritage Month.
“Recognizing the depth of planning events, hosting and the amount of work that is done over Black Heritage Month, it is often that Black people do not get the time off or time needed to connect with their community,” officials state.
“While Black Heritage Month is a time to celebrate and recognize the achievements of Blackness here on Turtle Island, for years it has come with the expectation for Black people to educate, work and give time on top of their regular day-to-day lives.”
Black Vacation Week encourages Black communities to take time for themselves: to heal, travel, eat, dance, spend time with one another, etc.
“This initiative allows for us to strive for braver space for our people during this month,” officials state.
Heart & Soul Campaign
Proceeds from all GBHS Black Heritage Month events will go towards the Heritage Hall Heart & Soul Campaign.
The campaign is an effort to expand and revitalize GBHS resources and programming.
“It’s a compelling opportunity for individuals, businesses and government to partner to create a place where art, culture and inclusiveness converge, a place that meets and exceeds the expectations of every visitor, and a place that every resident of Guelph can point to with pride,” officials state.
“If you are passionate about the place where you live, work and play, the Heritage Hall Heart & Soul Campaign is a worthy investment and a meaningful way to foster and build a rich legacy.”
The release continues, “It’s our goal to diversify our revenue sources to sustain our building, continue existing events, activities and educational programs, plus create, develop and support new ones in response to community need and demand.”
“Help us continue to do this good work,” Francis said. “It costs money to maintain [Heritage Hall] and to offer programming and events.”
“Support us during February … but throughout the year, too.”
GBHS is a registered charity and tax receipts will be issued for donations greater than $25.
For more information or to make a donation visit guelphblackheritage.ca, sign up for the newsletter, through the website, or follow GBHS on social media.
