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During Black History Month, let's take time to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities, who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada a culturally diverse and compassionate nation.
This year's theme in Canada is "The Future is Now."
We invite residents to participate in Black History Month festivities and events that honour the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities.
Below you will find interesting facts from the Historical & Marine Museum and virtual events that are happening in Niagara and across the world.
Click here to watch videos on Black history brought to you by Canadian Heritage.
| Museum Moments from Port Colborne Historic & Marine Museum |
| They were hidden in plain sight on the ships coming into the guard lock at Port Colborne. Helpers had guided those seeking freedom and escaping their enslaved conditions along the Underground Railroad, directing them to ports like Erie and Sandusky along the American shore of Lake Erie. Among the owners and captains of the vessels on the lakes were some abolitionists. Determined to help those Black freedom seekers, sometimes the abolitionists hid them onboard, but a less suspicious method was simply to add them to the ship’s crew list, using fake names. They could board the ship openly, and just had to act their part as crew members as the ships left American shores heading toward Canada. Recent research has focused on the schooner, Home, and its abolitionist captain, James Nugent, who assisted many to freedom in Canada. Nugent brought the Home into the Welland Canal on many trips and here in Port Colborne, at the guard lock of the Second Welland Canal, a few got off the ship, finding freedom, while others stayed on board until the ship reached St. Catharines. Although their lives here were not easy, with racism and prejudice still formidable barriers, they were free.
This photo is one of the earliest we have of Port Colborne, taken in 1866, with the guard lock of the Second Welland Canal, where some of those people who sought their freedom got off the ships, and stepped into the next chapter of their lives. PCHMM 986.82.173 |
| Port Colborne Public Library Black History Titles |
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In February we celebrate Black History Month and honour Black Canadians whose struggles and achievements have shaped our country.
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| Upcoming Black History Virtual Events |
Black History Speakers Series Hosted by Niagara Parks
Discover three different perspectives on Black history and culture in Canada with this three-part online speaker series. This year’s Black History Speaker Series is delivered as a live-streamed, digital event. Tickets grant access using any computer, tablet or mobile device for these live, interactive sessions with leading community historians and commentators specializing in Black history and culture. Tickets are $15 per event, or gain access to the entire series for $35. All sessions begin at 7:00 PM.
Black History Month Virtual Symposium
Join us as we celebrate the 6th year of the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent at the second edition of the Regional Black Canadians Forum in the Capital Regional! The Forum will focused on the International Decade for People of African Descent by tackling the following topics:
The Decade is significant as it promotes respect, protection, and fulfillment of human rights of people of African Descent. We believe that this event is in line with the objectives of celebrating Black History Month. Pre-registration required. For more information click here.
Black History Month Virtual Events
Celebrate the contributions of African-American heroes with Black History Month virtual events. Including:
For more information and a complete list of virtual events, click here. |
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