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February is Black History Month that has been celebrated in Canada since 1995, after the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, introduced a motion to The House of Commons. Each year a theme is chosen focused on a specific aspect of Black history “to increase awareness, education and understanding of Black history” and to learn more about the contributions Black Canadians have and continue to make in this country.
The 29th Black History Month theme this year is “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build.” “This theme aligns with the 10th year of the International Decade for People of African Descent and recognizes that people of African descent represent a distinct group whose human rights must be promoted and protected." (February is Black History Month - Canada.ca) Past examples of Black History Month themes include the following:
“February and Forever” (2022)
“The Future is Now: Claiming Our Space” (2021)
“Black Canadian Women: A History of Resilience, Strength and Action” (2020)
“The Black Canadian Experience: A Legacy of Strength, Diversity and Resilience” (2019) “Black Communities: Past, Present and Future” (2018)
“The Contributions of Black Canadians to the War Effort” (2017). (“Ours to Tell” - 2023 Black History Month Theme (Canada) - Family and Child Services of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville (fcsllg.ca)
Further information on Black History Month can be found on my blog post. I will be presenting the "Origins of Black History Month" at the Woodstock Museum on Tuesday March 5, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.; this is a free event.
There has and are various and numerous events to celebrate Black History Month in London and in Oxford County, but I will focus on a few. The Ontario Black History Society celebrated their 36th Annual Black History Month Kick-Off Brunch held on Sunday Jan. 28th at the Beanfield Centre at Exhibition Place in Toronto. At these events, Canada Post unveils their stamp for Black History Month.
This year, the Black History Month stamp celebrates the achievements and legacy of Mary Ann Shadd.
February is Black History Month that has been celebrated in Canada since 1995, after the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, introduced a motion to The House of Commons. Each year a theme is chosen focused on a specific aspect of Black history “to increase awareness, education and understanding of Black history” and to learn more about the contributions Black Canadians have and continue to make in this country.
The 29th Black History Month theme this year is “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build.” “This theme aligns with the 10th year of the International Decade for People of African Descent and recognizes that people of African descent represent a distinct group whose human rights must be promoted and protected." (February is Black History Month - Canada.ca) Past examples of Black History Month themes include the following:
“February and Forever” (2022)
“The Future is Now: Claiming Our Space” (2021)
“Black Canadian Women: A History of Resilience, Strength and Action” (2020)
“The Black Canadian Experience: A Legacy of Strength, Diversity and Resilience” (2019) “Black Communities: Past, Present and Future” (2018)
“The Contributions of Black Canadians to the War Effort” (2017). (“Ours to Tell” - 2023 Black History Month Theme (Canada) - Family and Child Services of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville (fcsllg.ca)
Further information on Black History Month can be found on my blog post. I will be presenting the "Origins of Black History Month" at the Woodstock Museum on Tuesday March 5, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.; this is a free event.
There has and are various and numerous events to celebrate Black History Month in London and in Oxford County, but I will focus on a few. The Ontario Black History Society celebrated their 36th Annual Black History Month Kick-Off Brunch held on Sunday Jan. 28th at the Beanfield Centre at Exhibition Place in Toronto. At these events, Canada Post unveils their stamp for Black History Month.
This year, the Black History Month stamp celebrates the achievements and legacy of Mary Ann Shadd.
(©2014, Canada Post Corporation, copied with permission)
“As the founder of The Provincial Freeman newspaper, Mary Ann Shadd (1823-93) was the first Black woman to edit and publish a newspaper in North America. The American-born educator and abolitionist moved to Windsor, Canada West (now Ontario), where she established a racially integrated school in 1851, followed by The Provincial Freeman in 1853....” (Black History Month stamp celebrates the achievements and legacy of Mary Ann Shadd - Magazine | Canada Post (canadapost-postescanada.ca)
Since 2009, Canada Post has issued new stamps to commemorate Black History Month based on two distinguished Black Canadians and/or landmarks. Refer to my post, Canada Post Black History Month Stamps for more information.
The London Black History Coordinating Committee (LBHCC) hosted their 22nd Annual Opening Ceremony for Black History Month on Saturday Feb. 3, 2024, at Museum London. This year’s theme is "Building Bridges to a Brighter Future: Furthering the collective role of the Black Community." LBHCC's mission statement is:
To engage the community in celebrating Black History Month through organizing,
supporting, and collaborating with community organizations on programs and activities
that are available in the region to educate, uplift and inspire. Home | London Black History
Coordinating Committee (lbhcc.ca)
This year, LBHCC collaborated with the Black History Tour Guide Committee who hosted the event. Michelle Edwards introduced the entertainment provided by singer Denise Pelley and Shannon Prince, recently retired Curator of Buxton Museum, who told stories of early Black settlers, accompanied by Steven Holowitz on piano. Matthew Lloyd, Curator at the Norwich and District Museum, introduced onthisspot.ca – a free App illustrating Black history from across southwestern Ontario including:
Oxford County - https://onthisspot.ca/cities/oxfordcounty
Elgin-Middlesex - https://onthisspot.ca/places/elgincounty
Chatham-Kent County - https://onthisspot.ca/places/chathamkent
Windsor-Essex County - https://onthisspot.ca/places/essexcounty
Future components of the app will include recorded narrations of local stories and music as well as virtual tours of the interior of the museums and historic sites. Stay tuned.
On Monday Feb. 5th, Oxford Caribbean Canadian Association (OCCA) opened Black History Month with a flag raising at the Oxford County Building in Woodstock, ON, of the Pan African flag.
Since 2009, Canada Post has issued new stamps to commemorate Black History Month based on two distinguished Black Canadians and/or landmarks. Refer to my post, Canada Post Black History Month Stamps for more information.
The London Black History Coordinating Committee (LBHCC) hosted their 22nd Annual Opening Ceremony for Black History Month on Saturday Feb. 3, 2024, at Museum London. This year’s theme is "Building Bridges to a Brighter Future: Furthering the collective role of the Black Community." LBHCC's mission statement is:
To engage the community in celebrating Black History Month through organizing,
supporting, and collaborating with community organizations on programs and activities
that are available in the region to educate, uplift and inspire. Home | London Black History
Coordinating Committee (lbhcc.ca)
This year, LBHCC collaborated with the Black History Tour Guide Committee who hosted the event. Michelle Edwards introduced the entertainment provided by singer Denise Pelley and Shannon Prince, recently retired Curator of Buxton Museum, who told stories of early Black settlers, accompanied by Steven Holowitz on piano. Matthew Lloyd, Curator at the Norwich and District Museum, introduced onthisspot.ca – a free App illustrating Black history from across southwestern Ontario including:
Oxford County - https://onthisspot.ca/cities/oxfordcounty
Elgin-Middlesex - https://onthisspot.ca/places/elgincounty
Chatham-Kent County - https://onthisspot.ca/places/chathamkent
Windsor-Essex County - https://onthisspot.ca/places/essexcounty
Future components of the app will include recorded narrations of local stories and music as well as virtual tours of the interior of the museums and historic sites. Stay tuned.
On Monday Feb. 5th, Oxford Caribbean Canadian Association (OCCA) opened Black History Month with a flag raising at the Oxford County Building in Woodstock, ON, of the Pan African flag.
The Pan African flag
“The Pan African flag is a symbol for the worldwide liberation of people from African ancestry and the three colors in the flag represent:
Red: the blood that unites all people of Black African ancestry, and shed for liberation.
Black: Black people whose existence as a nation, though not a nation-state, is affirmed by the existence of the flag; and
Green: the abundant natural wealth of Africa. (Black History Month is here! (mailchi.mp)
President of OCCA, Suzanne Phillips, addressed the small crowd saying "we still have challenges." Like my, Suzanne was also surprised to know that Black people were in Oxford County. Oxford Warden, Marcus Ryan spoke about inclusion being important in community and having the youth involved. Suzanne and the Warden, along with two St. Mary's High School students, sisters who both are involved in in the youth program with OCCA. Helped raise the flag that will be flying for the month of February.
Public Historian, Zahra McDoom gave two discussions for Black History Month. On Monday Feb. 12th at Huron University in London, ON, she had a discussion with dancer, singer and actor Joey Hollingsworth, recipient of the first ever life-time achievement award by the Ontario Black History Society. The event was well attended which consisted of videos and a PowerPoint presentation of Joey Hollingsworth’s life. He grew up in SoHo in London, a history of predominantly immigrant neighbourhood consisting of Black, Jewish, Polish, and Indigenous cultures.
At age 3½, Joey started tap dancing at the advice of his mother. He broke racial barriers through tap dancing and with his long and illustrious career, Hollingsworth has won numerous accolades. At 87 years old, Hollingsworth ended the evening with a performance of "Mr. Bojangles" for the audience.
Red: the blood that unites all people of Black African ancestry, and shed for liberation.
Black: Black people whose existence as a nation, though not a nation-state, is affirmed by the existence of the flag; and
Green: the abundant natural wealth of Africa. (Black History Month is here! (mailchi.mp)
President of OCCA, Suzanne Phillips, addressed the small crowd saying "we still have challenges." Like my, Suzanne was also surprised to know that Black people were in Oxford County. Oxford Warden, Marcus Ryan spoke about inclusion being important in community and having the youth involved. Suzanne and the Warden, along with two St. Mary's High School students, sisters who both are involved in in the youth program with OCCA. Helped raise the flag that will be flying for the month of February.
Public Historian, Zahra McDoom gave two discussions for Black History Month. On Monday Feb. 12th at Huron University in London, ON, she had a discussion with dancer, singer and actor Joey Hollingsworth, recipient of the first ever life-time achievement award by the Ontario Black History Society. The event was well attended which consisted of videos and a PowerPoint presentation of Joey Hollingsworth’s life. He grew up in SoHo in London, a history of predominantly immigrant neighbourhood consisting of Black, Jewish, Polish, and Indigenous cultures.
At age 3½, Joey started tap dancing at the advice of his mother. He broke racial barriers through tap dancing and with his long and illustrious career, Hollingsworth has won numerous accolades. At 87 years old, Hollingsworth ended the evening with a performance of "Mr. Bojangles" for the audience.
Zahra’s other presentation occurred on Thursday Feb. 22nd at Counch Public Library in London, ON to a packed audience to hear “The Hidden History of Hamilton Road,” about the 1928 Elite Black Women’s Baseball Team from London. Barry Howson, Basketball Olympian, and Gerry Anderson, former London Majors player both joined Zahra, who was pleased that many Hamilton Street residents attended her presentation. (Listen to Zahra's interview on CBC at: London's all-Black women's softball team of 1923 | CBC.ca)
Fanshawe College Celebrated Black History Month on Thursday Feb. 15th at Forwell Hall within the newly built state of the art Innovation Village. Organizer, Troy Townsend, Anti-Racism and Inclusion Specialist, had a well-rounded list of guests, including the keynote speaker, renowned Chef, Social Justice Advocate and Author Suanne Barr who gave a superb motivational talk. Students from the Hospitality and Culinary Arts provided a cooking demonstration of the Nigerian fried snack Chin chin, which bags of the delicious morsels were distributed to the audience.
Musician and MIA Alumni, Jordan Macdonald sang a few songs, one that he wrote but his band Texas King, did not care for. His second time attending this event, the audience was very receptive to Jordan’s music, singing and playing acoustic guitar. He reminds me of John Legend whom I love listening to. Jordan finished off the event belting out the tune “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley. Jordan will be performing at the Words & Music event held at Wolf Performance Hall on Tuesday Feb. 27th at 7:30 pm.
Musician and MIA Alumni, Jordan Macdonald sang a few songs, one that he wrote but his band Texas King, did not care for. His second time attending this event, the audience was very receptive to Jordan’s music, singing and playing acoustic guitar. He reminds me of John Legend whom I love listening to. Jordan finished off the event belting out the tune “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley. Jordan will be performing at the Words & Music event held at Wolf Performance Hall on Tuesday Feb. 27th at 7:30 pm.
The newly restored BME Chapel on June 9, 2023
The documentary, The Chapel Project Film, by Canadian film producer, actor, director, social activist, and public speaker Anthony Sherwood, premiered on Sunday Feb. 18th in the Lecture Theatre at Museum London. The 50-minute documentary chronicles the story of the perseverance of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church and the dedicated and diverse group of people who laboured for over 15 years to prevent its demolition, to its restoration to its lustre.
Also known as the Fugitive Slave Chapel, the church was built in 1848, at 275 Thames St. in London, ON, where it served as a hub for the Black community, known as “The Hollow,” and a refuge for formally enslaved people who escaped the U.S. via the Underground Railroad. In 1869, the Black congregation outgrew the church and moved into the newly built Beth-Emmanuel British Methodist Episcopal Church, located at 430 Grey Street in London.
Also known as the Fugitive Slave Chapel, the church was built in 1848, at 275 Thames St. in London, ON, where it served as a hub for the Black community, known as “The Hollow,” and a refuge for formally enslaved people who escaped the U.S. via the Underground Railroad. In 1869, the Black congregation outgrew the church and moved into the newly built Beth-Emmanuel British Methodist Episcopal Church, located at 430 Grey Street in London.
After being derelict for many years after the church was sold and became a residential dwelling and an office space, it was saved twice from demolition. Once in 2013, by the efforts of The Fugitive Slave Chapel Preservation Project (FSCPP), when the church moved to its’ daughter church on Grey Street on Nov. 12, 2014. And again in 2022. This time around, local Black organizations like the London Black History Coordinating Committee, the Congress of Black Women London Chapter, and Black Lives Matter, banded together with FSCPP to help with the chapel’s continued survival.
Moving day for the derelict church in Nov. 2022
On Nov. 2022, the AME Church was moved for the third and finally resting place, to its forever home, on the grounds at Fanshawe Pioneer Village, where it was fully restored in the summer of 2023.
After viewing the film, Anthony Sherwood mentioned that he heard about the chapel a year ago and decided to document the story on his own time and money. He also spoke about the precious moments making the film, including strings being pulled to be able to go inside the church to take pictures before it was restored. The Chapel Project Film was nominated at the Montreal International Film Festival, but did not win. Sherwood wants to do a film circuit, before selling it to TV. The producer and Hilary Neary, answered questions posed by the audience.
In the film, Neary mentioned "tearing out the wallpaper and partition, the chapel can tell more then a story of the past, it can tell a story of the present." Visit the restored AME Church at Fanshaw Pioneer Village to see this 167-year-old historic site; winner of the 2023 Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Award.
After viewing the film, Anthony Sherwood mentioned that he heard about the chapel a year ago and decided to document the story on his own time and money. He also spoke about the precious moments making the film, including strings being pulled to be able to go inside the church to take pictures before it was restored. The Chapel Project Film was nominated at the Montreal International Film Festival, but did not win. Sherwood wants to do a film circuit, before selling it to TV. The producer and Hilary Neary, answered questions posed by the audience.
In the film, Neary mentioned "tearing out the wallpaper and partition, the chapel can tell more then a story of the past, it can tell a story of the present." Visit the restored AME Church at Fanshaw Pioneer Village to see this 167-year-old historic site; winner of the 2023 Lieutenant Governor's Ontario Heritage Award.
The 13th Annual Lewis Coray Trailblazer Award for Youth was held on Wednesday Feb. 21st at RBC Place London, formerly the London Convention Center. After posting this event on my website for the last13 years, I was finally able to attend and what an extraordinary event it was!
In 2012, the London Police Service (LPS) established the Lewis Coray Trailblazer Award for Youth, which recognizes young people from the African, Caribbean, and Black Canadian communities who have contributed to the community. The award is named in honour of London’s first Black police officer, the late Det. Sgt. Lewis “Bud” Martin Coray, who was hired in August 1951 and served for 30 years, retiring as a fraud unit detective. Coray died on Jan. 12, 2023, at 97.
Master of Ceremonies, Inspector D’Wayne Price, first Black officer in a high-ranking position at London Police Service, informed the large crowd that this was first time holding this event outside the police station. He commented that it looked wonderful and felt like inviting people back into their home.
In 2012, the London Police Service (LPS) established the Lewis Coray Trailblazer Award for Youth, which recognizes young people from the African, Caribbean, and Black Canadian communities who have contributed to the community. The award is named in honour of London’s first Black police officer, the late Det. Sgt. Lewis “Bud” Martin Coray, who was hired in August 1951 and served for 30 years, retiring as a fraud unit detective. Coray died on Jan. 12, 2023, at 97.
Master of Ceremonies, Inspector D’Wayne Price, first Black officer in a high-ranking position at London Police Service, informed the large crowd that this was first time holding this event outside the police station. He commented that it looked wonderful and felt like inviting people back into their home.
An array of desserts at Lewis Coray Award
A tribute film of Lewis Coray was shown, followed by an exquisite dinner. One of five speakers for the evening, Stacey Coray, Lewis Coray’s son, shared what his father wrote in one of 12 journals. In 1951, Lewis worked at a furniture store and applied to become a police officer. Thought it was a long shot, but in August Coray was hired along with 16 others. He made $2,400.00 a year.
Inspector Price introduced the keynote speaker, Judge Rochelle Ivri, one of nine citizenship judges who gave a compelling speech of her life and how she achieved her career aspirations. She remarked: “We should share stories with each other and break down barriers.” And quoted Shirley Chisholm, first Black woman in U.S. Congress: “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”
Inspector Price introduced the keynote speaker, Judge Rochelle Ivri, one of nine citizenship judges who gave a compelling speech of her life and how she achieved her career aspirations. She remarked: “We should share stories with each other and break down barriers.” And quoted Shirley Chisholm, first Black woman in U.S. Congress: “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”
Presentations were handed out to the three winners of outstanding videos citing What Black History Means to Me included: Rebekah Omondi, Natalie Brereton, and Ella Eagleson who was the recipient of the 2024 Lewis Coray Trailblazer Award for Youth.
I was honoured to attend The Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards held on Thursday Feb. 22nd at the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite at Queens Park in Toronto, ON. Along with other members of both the London Black History Coordinating Committee and Board of Directors of Fanshawe Pioneer Village, Carl Cadogen, LBHCC Chair, and Christina Lord; Genet Hodder, London historian and member of the Fugitive Slave Chapel Preservation Project Steering Committee (FSCPP), and Dawn Miskelly, Executive Director of Fanshawe Pioneer Village were also present.
Created in 2006 by the Honourable Jams K. Bartlman, then-Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in association with the Ontario Heritage Trust, the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards recognizes remarkable heritage conservation achievements throughout Ontario. Presented annually at a ceremony at Queen’s Park in Toronto, these prestigious awards are handed out by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. This year The Honourable Edith Dumont, the 30th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and the first Franco-Ontario Lieutenant Governor bestowed the 2023 awards.
Created in 2006 by the Honourable Jams K. Bartlman, then-Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in association with the Ontario Heritage Trust, the Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards recognizes remarkable heritage conservation achievements throughout Ontario. Presented annually at a ceremony at Queen’s Park in Toronto, these prestigious awards are handed out by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. This year The Honourable Edith Dumont, the 30th Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and the first Franco-Ontario Lieutenant Governor bestowed the 2023 awards.
The Fugitive Slave Chapel Preservation Project is one of four recipients in Excellence in Conservation award to win for the “successful preservation of the oldest building representing London’s Black history, which was accomplished with extensive stakeholder engagement” as cited by John Ecker, Chair of the Ontario Heritage Trust.
It was also the second Black history initiative to be honoured along with Buxton's 100th anniversary of Homecoming in North Buxton, who were honoured for their community leadership and promotion of heritage tourism. (Shannon and Bryan Prince were appointed to the Order of Canada in Dec. 2023.)
The Metropolitan United Church Restoration Project is the second restoration project in London, ON to win. Shadowpath Theatre Productions in York Region was another winner of the Excellence in Conservation award.
Other recipients of the 2023 Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards include the Lifetime Achievement to Jane Watt from Oakville; Youth Achievement: Maude Craig from Millbrook, and Adam Selalmatzidis of Sudbury, both youths receive a $3,500 post-secondary scholarship; and Dr. Ron Williamson of Toronto, won the Thomas Symons Award for Commitment to Conservation.
It was an extraordinary experience; I will not soon forget.
It was also the second Black history initiative to be honoured along with Buxton's 100th anniversary of Homecoming in North Buxton, who were honoured for their community leadership and promotion of heritage tourism. (Shannon and Bryan Prince were appointed to the Order of Canada in Dec. 2023.)
The Metropolitan United Church Restoration Project is the second restoration project in London, ON to win. Shadowpath Theatre Productions in York Region was another winner of the Excellence in Conservation award.
Other recipients of the 2023 Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards include the Lifetime Achievement to Jane Watt from Oakville; Youth Achievement: Maude Craig from Millbrook, and Adam Selalmatzidis of Sudbury, both youths receive a $3,500 post-secondary scholarship; and Dr. Ron Williamson of Toronto, won the Thomas Symons Award for Commitment to Conservation.
It was an extraordinary experience; I will not soon forget.
2023 recipients of Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Awards (Photo Credit: Dahlia Katz)
The 13 Annual Closing Ceremony & Black Community Achievement Awards occurred on Saturday Feb. 24, 2024, at the Wolf Performance Hall with amazing entertainment by the London Kids Community Gospel Choir, Hip Hop artist Solo YT, Comedian John Paul, and one-man band Donald Waugh. The audience were verry receptive to all the performers. Host Sybil Femo, did a fabulous job engaging the crowd especially when she got everyone singing “Keli” Baby Don’t Cry the Mother Song, when waiting for one of the performers.
In 2009, the London Black History Coordinating Committee launched The Black Community Award, which recognizes two individuals for their service and contributions to the Black community and in the wider community. The two distinguished individuals awarded The Black Community Award this year, included Colin Caal and Rex Ward.
Following the reception, boxed food was available for the crowd, even a vegetarian meal was provided. Many people who attended the Closing Ceremony, made their way to the African Food Festival on Huron St., for a very delicious African and West Indian cuisine for only $5.00. Children in the audience were happy to join Arielle from the Little Mermaid, who got them on their feet dancing and singing.
The grown ups in the crowd also got to their feet to join the African dancers after they performed and encouraged participation. A good time was had by all.
Other Black History Month Events include the following:
Following the reception, boxed food was available for the crowd, even a vegetarian meal was provided. Many people who attended the Closing Ceremony, made their way to the African Food Festival on Huron St., for a very delicious African and West Indian cuisine for only $5.00. Children in the audience were happy to join Arielle from the Little Mermaid, who got them on their feet dancing and singing.
The grown ups in the crowd also got to their feet to join the African dancers after they performed and encouraged participation. A good time was had by all.
Other Black History Month Events include the following:
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Related Links:
Quote: “It was nice to have been a trailblazer and while I say that, I don’t think I’m anymore a trailblazer than the people who came before me. People like my great-great grandfather, my great-great grandmother. They blazed that trail.” ~ The late Det. Seg. Lewis Coray
- Films, podcasts, music and more for Black History Month
- Tap dancer Joey Hollingsworth receives Ontario Black History Society lifetime achievement award
- London's all-Black women's softball team of 1923 - CBC Interview
- Listings of London's all Black Women's softball team of 1923
- Black Women’s Softball, the Dawn of Tomorrow, & the Canadian League for the Advancement of Colored People
- This year's Lewis Coray Trailblazer AwLard winner | London Morning with Andrew Brown | Live Radio | CBC Listen
- Meet Ella Eagleson, winner of the Lewis Coray Trailblazer Award | CBC.ca
Quote: “It was nice to have been a trailblazer and while I say that, I don’t think I’m anymore a trailblazer than the people who came before me. People like my great-great grandfather, my great-great grandmother. They blazed that trail.” ~ The late Det. Seg. Lewis Coray
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