WINDSOR-ESSEX CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Annually, a wide array of Black History Month February events take place throughout our region, and even though we are in lockdown, this year will be no different. And while we cannot celebrate in person, there are over fifteen Black History Month events and activities planned for Windsor and Essex County alone!
The 2021 Windsor-Essex County Black History Month Activity Schedule will be available online as of January 29, 2021. Event and activity updates can also be found @ecbhrs on Twitter or on the Black History Month Windsor Essex and Essex County Black Historical Research Society pages on Facebook.
The 2020 Windsor-Essex Black History Month Kickoff is taking place virtually this year on Friday, January 29 at 7: p.m. on zoom. Interested parties can register for free via Eventbrite.
The purpose is to publicly recognize the importance of Black History Month as well as to encourage the community to participate in the array of Black History Month events happening locally. This event will include:
- Artistic performances (poetry, drumming and song) by local artists Teajai Travis, Florine Ndimubandi, Kionna Wilson, Brett Logan, Nadine Manroe, the Hidaya Diaspora Junior Dance Group, and Black Kids in Action Performing Arts Group
- Black history highlights
- Official release of the 2021 Windsor-Essex County Black History Month Activity Schedule of local Black heritage and cultural events
The event is free to the public to attend virtually and is being hosted jointly by the Essex County Black Historical Research Society, the Windsor West Indian Association, and the Amherstburg Freedom Museum.
Windsor and Essex County are rich in Black history and heritage. Canadians of African descent have played important roles in the cultural, political, social, and economic progress of our community. Our region has been populated by people of African descent from the 18th century, when enslaved Africans were counted among the households of French-speaking pioneers and English-speaking United Empire Loyalists. In the 19th century, African American freedom seekers along with free people of colour streamed into this area by the thousands. In the modern era, immigrants from the farthest reaches of Africa and the Caribbean have made this their home.
Founded in 2001, the Essex County Black Historical Research Society brings together individuals interested in the research, preservation, promotion and advancement of the Black (African-Canadian) history of the Windsor-Essex County area. Founded in 1968, the Windsor West Indian Association encourages the appreciation of Caribbean heritage and culture as well as a commitment to the enrichment of Canadian society. Since its founding in 1975 as the North American Black Historical Museum, the Amherstburg Freedom Museum has been an exciting place to explore Black history.
