By Tracy Wright and Kirsten Jerry
Durham celebrates Black History month in many different ways, through various organizations and events across Durham Region. Why go to these events? You will get to see and know more about the black community in a positive view. Also, if you enjoy movies, discussions or celebrations, you can honour Black History Month. Here is a list of some events throughout Durham Region.
Event: THE COMMONS – BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Place: Pickering Public Library on 1 The Esplanade.
Date: Feb. 15
Time: 7 pm – 8:30 pm
Organization: The Commons
Info.: A talk about issues in the community, this month, looking at the meaning and impact of Black History month “in today’s society.”
Event: KAY LIVINGSTON CELEBRATION DINNER & DANCE GALA
Place: Courtyard Marriot Hotel at 475 Younge St.
Date: Feb. 17
Time: 6 pm – 1 am
Organization: The Congress of Black Women of Canada – Ontario
Info.: Tickets are $120. It is a formal event. The Gala is a celebration of the life of Congress of Black Women of Canada founder Kathleen (Kay) Livingston.
Event: A MOVIE SHOWING OF “BLACK OR WHITE”
Place: Pickering Public Library
Date: Feb. 18
Time: 1:30 pm -4:30 pm.
Organizations: The Congress of Black Women of Canada – Ontario
Info.: “Black or White” is about Elliot Anderson (Kevin Costner) dealing with the death of his wife while trying to protect his biracial granddaughter, Eloise (Jillian Estell), from being raised by her negligent, drug addicted father, Reggie (Andre Holland) and Eloise’s paternal grandmother Rowena (Octavia Spencer).
Event: LOOKING BACK INTO THE FUTURE BLACK HISTORY MONTH CONFERENCE
Place: Ajax Community Centre
Date: Feb. 18
Time: 1:30 pm – 4 pm
Organization: Channon Oyeniran (member of Ontario Black History Society and researcher of Canadian multiculturalism)
Info.: Tickets cost $10 and can be bought online. The event will have speeches, refreshments, entertainment, and a marketplace. The night will be honouring former politician Zanana Akande, former journalist, boxer and author Spider Jones, and The Honourable Jean Augustine, the first person to initiate Black History Month in Ontario.
Event: PRE-PROCLAMATION CELEBRATION
Place: 156 Simcoe St. S.
Date: Feb. 20
Time: 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Organization: Simcoe Mall and Leroy Clark of E-Camp
Info.: This is a free event. There will be refreshments, a drum circle and more. The Black History Month Proclamation will be at City Hall at 6:30 pm.
Event: BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION
Place: Durham College Oshawa Campus, room SSB 116
Date: Feb. 21
Time: 10 am – 1 pm.
Organization: Office of Student Diversity, Inclusions and Transitions
Info.: There will be a dance and drumming workshop and poetry.
