MINTO – The Town of Minto is joining people across Canada in celebrating Black Heritage Month.
For the month of February Tannery Park in Harriston will be lit up in celebration with yellow, red and green, the colours of the African Nova Scotia flag.
Created by artist Wendie L. Wilson, the African Nova Scotia flag, was introduced in February 2021.
The flags colours of red, gold and green are used by people of African descent across the world. Red symbolizes the sacrifice African Nova Scotian people have endured, gold represents cultural richness and green for fertility, growth and future generations, notes a statement from the Guelph Black Heritage Society.
The National theme for 2022 is “February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day,” which focuses on recognizing the daily contributions that Black Canadians make to Canada.
At the Feb. 1 Minto council meeting, economic and community development director Belinda Wick-Graham pointed out the lights in Tannery Park were green on Jan. 29 in support of the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City mosque attack and action against Islamophobia.
“We have some great events and projects that we’re hoping to undertake, especially around diversity, equity and inclusion work,” Wick-Graham told council.
Summer events
In a report from the Town of Minto Cultural Roundtable, Wick-Graham also noted the Minto Pride Committee has made tentative plans to host its second Pride in the Park event on June 12.
The group has been unable to host the gathering for the past two summers due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Summer events the town is hoping to host this year include the Harriston Street Party, the Clifford Street Celebration and Palmerston’s Party in the Park.
Wick-Graham reported she is currently working on a funding application for a new event planned for 2022, the Raleway Fest. The event will be a celebration of Palmerston’s rich railway history, local food and Ontario beer, cider, wine and spirits.
Wick-Graham reported the committee has also agreed to sponsor the 6th Annual Headstone Hunt with a contribution of $500 toward prizes.
Hunt organizer John McVicar attended the Jan. 24 committee meeting to request the committee take on sponsorship of the event, which was formerly sponsored by Harriston Superior Monuments.
