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Black History Month 2022

Niagara region has a rich history, which deeply intersects with the Underground Railroad and many significant figures in Black history such as but not limited to: Harriet Tubman, Burr Plato, Oliver Parnell, and Nathaniel Dett. In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada following a motion introduced by Dr. Augustine, President of the Ontario Black History Society. The House of Commons carried the motion unanimously. This year, the Government of Canada shared the theme for Black History Month 2022 as “February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day.”

The Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum has also found early connections to Port Colborne for those seeking freedom in Canada.

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.

Be sure to also ‘like’ the L.R. Wilson Heritage Research Archives on Facebook as they share moments in Port Colborne’s history, including Black History.

There are many opportunities throughout the year and in the month of February to recognize the contributions that Black people have made, and continue to make, in all sectors of society. Black History Month is about celebrating resilience and innovation and working towards a more inclusive, equitable and diverse Niagara.

Here are a few ways you can learn and get involved:

Your Port Colborne Public Library has curated an online carousel of suggested books on their website for patrons to browse and check-out for curbside pick-up, Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.portcolbornelibrary.org. They have also created a window display of new Canadian Black History titles you can check out while going for a walk or while you’re waiting for your curbside pick-up.

Place a hold by phone by calling 905-834-6512, emailing library@portcolborne.ca, or through your online library account.

The Government of Canada Education resources provide a multitude of resources that highlight Black History in Canada.

Niagara Parks Speaker Series brings three different perspectives of Black History and culture in Canada with a three-part online series discussing ‘Blacks in the Military’, ‘The Power of Cultural Competence’ and ‘Self-liberated and Famous: Fugitive Freedom Seekers Escape to Niagara’.

Voices of Freedom  is in the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, which has set aside a significant site in the heart of the Old Town to understand, celebrate, and honour its Black History. Voices of Freedom is an experiential art installation designed to engage, educate, and challenge visitors about Black History.

Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural Centre is hosting four ‘Black History Celebration’ events, every Wednesday in February. Events include an hour with ‘Dr. Christopher Taylor, Kimberly Madume and Emily Radcliffe’ on CBC Radio on Feb. 9; a panel discussion focusing on ‘Black Health and our finances’ on Feb. 16; and a Small Business Panel Discussion - exploring the opportunities for small businesses on Feb. 23.

We hope you take the time to learn about Black History Month.