For Immediate Release
20th Annual Black History Month - Respecting the Past, Embracing the Present, Impacting the Future!
London, ON - The London Black History Coordinating Committee is incredibly pleased to share with the community our 20th Anniversary Celebration plans. We share our lineup for this year's events starting on Saturday February 5th and ending with the Closing Celebration on February 26th. Officially recognized as Black History Month in Canada, this is an opportunity for all to celebrate and share in the achievements of members of London’s diverse Black community.
This year, after an Artist Call, we have chosen Taffy Maposa’s ‘Mothers on the Way’ to represent our 20th anniversary celebration. Please watch for this young artist’s work throughout the year.
Because we are in a pandemic, 2022 events will all be virtual, but will be the same interactive and exciting events as they have always been. We encourage everyone to register through Eventbrite, and we want to welcome all London and area residents to join us in this year’s celebrations over Zoom. These events offer unique opportunities to connect with people of various backgrounds and ages and in enjoying the events together, continuing to break down those barriers that still exist amongst us.’
Beginning with the Opening Celebration on Saturday February 5th from 1:00PM - 2:30PM, our keynote speaker is Donna Paris. A multigenerational African Canadian, born and raised in Nova scotia. Performers include Sunday Ajak, John Enjolu, Helen Hibbert and HWABARATY. Time for all of London to participate in festivities and events intended to honour the legacy of Black Canadians, past and present.
This year the Family Program will be happening every Monday in February from 6:30PM-7:00PM, starting on February 7th. The program will include storytellers, games, and readings, for the whole family.
On Saturday February 12th we are excited to have a program focusing on Faith and historic Black churches, featuring the Film 100 Years of Faith, a documentary about the oldest Black church in the Province of Quebec, with an introduction from the Film's Director, Anthony Sherwood; and a presentation on the Chapel Project, Faith is more than a Building, 'Preserving one of London's Black Heritage buildings presented by the Chapel Committee.
The London Police Services’ Lewis Coray Trailblazer Award, is happening on February 16th @ 7PM, with Olympian Damian Warner as the keynote speaker. This event honours constable Lewis Coray, the first Black officer in the London Police.
The African Food Festival will again be one of the highlights of the Month. Presented by Carrefour Com munautaire Francophone de London, on Friday February 18th this event will feature delicious dishes from Africa. The event will either be an in-person event held @ Trinity United Church, 76 Doulton St, London, or a pickup event from the same location. Cost is $10.00 per person for a wonderful taste of Africa.
On Friday February 25th, the Youth Forum will focus on post-secondary education and employment opportunities for Black youth. Speakers will share personal experience and will lead a discussion regarding the challenges facing today’s youth and how to empower our current youth to succeed. Keep watching our website for our special keynote speaker.
The Closing Event takes place on Saturday February 26th 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM. An afternoon of music, dance and history, this event is great for the entire family. The event also includes the presentation of Awards to two outstanding Black Community Achievers.
The LBHCC was formed out of a desire to increase awareness of Black History Month activities in the London area. The Committee provides programs and services that will increase public understanding of the diversity and history of London’s Black community.
The LBHCC has been supported by the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre, Museum London, the London Regional Children's Museum, the City of London, the London Public Library, Carrefour Communautaire Francophone de London and many other corporate and individual supporters.
For more information on events and the Black Community Achievement Awards, nomination form and other information, please visit https: lbhcc.ca
Media Contact: Carl Cadogan carlcadogan@gmail.com
Chair, London Black History Coordinating Committee - 519.404.3092