Ontario Black History Society’s 34th Annual Black History Month Kick Off Celebrations; Recognizing the stories and achievements of Black Canadians

BY PAUL JUNOR

The on-going work of the Ontario Black History Society continues to draw attention to the outstanding contributions of Black Canadians. It was fitting that it selected the theme for the year, “Home” to kick-off its 34^th Annual Black History Month celebration on Sunday, January 30^th, 2022. Its lead sponsor was the Toronto Dominion Bank as well as Cadillac Fairview, Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario, SEIU Healthcare, Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto, Uniform Durham Regional Police, UBC Store and CUPE-SCFP.

Andrea Horwath, Ontario’s NDP leader in her greeting stated, “Congratulations to the Ontario Black History Society for your advocacy, community building, education and preservation of Black history. I am proud to join the OBHS in celebrating Black History Month, and offer heartfelt thanks to the OBHS members, volunteers, and sponsors who work so hard to make Black History Month and the Kick-Off Brunch a success, especially in these unique times.”

John Tory, Mayor of Toronto states, “This year the theme will reflect on why Black people call Canada home. Toronto stands as a benchmark of diversity, and we value the contributions made by all people that strengthen our city. As the most diverse city in the world, we strive to create a home for everyone, and my hope is that we continue to push in creating a welcoming place for all.”

Natasha Henry, President of the OBHS focuses on the significance of “Home” in her greetings before the start of the program. She stated,

“The word home conjures many different ideas and feelings- a sense of place, love, loss, acceptance, dispossession, togetherness, homeland, identity. This year we mark our 34^th annual observance of Black History Month with virtual programming exploring the theme of home.

Home symbolizes many cultural, social, political, spiritual, and economic meanings for people of the African diaspora. We look forward to contemplating home for Black History Month 2022.”

The day’s event was hosted by Nathalie Newell and featured performances by singer Liberty Silver, the York University AMPD & Arizona State University Virtually Unite Gospel Choirs, R & B singer, Michael Dunston and a dance by Rama Club. Ginelle Skerrit, CEO of York Regions Children’s Aid Society was the recipient of the Dr. Daniel G. Hill Award for community service and the keynote speaker. She reminisces about her journey over the years to the helm of the YRCAS. Educator, historian, author and activist Irene Moore Davis, Foydeen and Charles-Fridal, co-founder member of TAIBU Community Health Care, received Harriet Tubman awards. Ivan Dawns received the Dr. Anderson Abbott Award, Candice Fung the Mary Matilda Winslow Award and Russel Grosee, the UN Decade for People of African Descent award.

OBHS has remarkable things planned for February 2022. It will feature the second annual Black History Month’s Speaker Series. There will be the launch of Lawrence Hill’s debut youth novel. Details can be seen on OBHS’s website:blackhistory.ca.