Black History Month at Oxford County

Every February, people across Canada celebrate Black History Month to honour the enormous contributions Black people have made and continue to make in all sectors of our society. This year’s theme is: “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow's Visionaries.” This theme celebrates thirty years of Black History Month in Canada and recognizes the enduring legacy of Black Canadians, whose leadership, creativity, innovation, and resilience have shaped our past and continue to inspire the present and future.

The month of February gives us a chance to celebrate the resilience, innovation and determination of Black people as we listen, learn and foster greater understanding and compassion in our everyday interactions.

To mark the occasion, Oxford County Library and Oxford County Archives are highlighting the following learning opportunities:

• February 7: Join Oxford County Archives for the Black History Month opening ceremony at Museum London from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. This year’s theme, “Empowered Voices, Endless Possibilities: 200 Years of Living History,” anchors the program and will feature several speakers, including the keynote speaker Dr. Nicole Kaniki. Learn more.
  
• February 10: Join the Black History Month Organizing Committee and Warden Marcus Ryan at 10:00 a.m. to raise the Pan-African flag at the Oxford County Administration Building in Woodstock.
  
• February 17: The Oxford County Library Tillsonburg branch invites residents to Discover Your Past: Searching for Canada’s Early Black Settlers. The February 17 session starts at 1:30 p.m. and explores effective strategies and tools for researching the history of Black settlers in what is known today as Oxford County, Ontario, and Eastern Canada. This session is available in person or online via Zoom. Registration is not required but space is limited. Learn more.
  
• All month: Oxford County Archives and Oxford County Library are displaying a Black History Month exhibit in the front lobby of the Oxford County Administration Building during the month of February.
  
• All month: Oxford County Library staff has prepared a list of recommendations to help you celebrate Black History Month and explore books about Black history in Canada. This list contains books for children and adults. Check out the “Discover Diverse Perspectives” page for a book list and to learn more about other people, experiences and communities. Check the Oxford County Library calendar in February for more events related to Black History Month. 
  
• All month: Oxford County Archives is sharing weekly posts related to Black History in Oxford County on the Oxford County Facebook page throughout the month of February. 

Discover more events and learning opportunities for Black History Month in Oxford County on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Coalition page on the Safe and Well Oxford website here.