Mayor Jeff Leal to Proclaim February As Black History Month
/Mayor Jeff Leal will proclaim February as Black History Month during a Black History Month launch event hosted by Peterborough's Community Race Relations Committee at the Peterborough Public Library from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday.
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
“Black History Month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black Canadians in our City,” said Leal. “Please join our community as we mark the start of this important month.”
Resgistration is required to attend the launch event.
The Black History Month launch event keynote speaker is Shanique Victoria Edwards, the lead researcher for Black Mental Health Canada and a member of its circle of leaders. Edwards is a psychotherapist who specializes in racial trauma and BIPOC mental health.
Christine Maclin, a local activist and secretary/treasurer for the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, will speak on her journey through mental health, self-discovery and healing.
Sahira Q, who is a local activist and artist, will also share a speech and performance during the Black History Month launch event.
For updates from Peterborough's Community Race Relations Committee, follow their Facebook page at facebook.com/racerelationspeterborough.
Peterborough Museum and Archives
Visit the Peterborough Museum and Archives for a children’s craft that recognizes Black History Month and children’s books in the Reading Nook. The activities are self-guided and available at no cost during the museum’s regular hours. Peterborough Museum and Archives admission is by donation.
Instagram Live conversation
Reem Ali, the City’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advisor, will be hosting an Instagram LIVE conversation with Patricia Wilson, the Community Race Relations Committee coordinator and founder of Diverse Nature Collective, starting at 10 a.m. on Feb. 2. Everyone is invited to tune in at instagram.com/cityptbo. An Instagram account is not required.
Peterborough Public Library
Peterborough Public Library includes diverse voices in its regular library programming and collections throughout the year by selecting diverse authors for story times, book club, book displays and other activities. For Black History Month, it is offering:
Feb. 5-17 - Book displays in both the Children’s and Adult areas – “Celebrate Black Voices”
Feb. 10 – Children’s movie: Hair Love and The Princess and the Frog
Feb. 13 – Film & Discussion: Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody
Feb. 15 – Tween Book Club: Look Both Ways by Jason Reynolds
Feb. – Adult Book Club In Person or Online: Black Buck by Mateo Askaripour
