Black History Month: Flag raising and events

The Pan-African Flag is being flown at the Oxford County Administration Building in recognition of Black History Month. The flag will be flown for the entire month of February. All flags are currently at half-mast until end of day February 11 to mark the passing of an Oxford County employee.

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. Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the resilience, innovation and determination of Black people as we listen, learn and foster greater understanding and compassion in our everyday interactions. Suzanne Phillips from the Oxford Caribbean Canadian Association spoke to County Council on February 8 about the significance of the Pan-African flag.

Oxford County Library is holding two speaker events for Black History Month:

• Tillsonburg branch – “Almost Forgotten: Black History in Oxford County," a presentation by local historian Heather Rennalls, on Wednesday, February 22 at 6:00 p.m.
• Ingersoll branch - Meet the Artist: Ingersoll Underground Railroad, a talk with sculptor Duane Kumala-Thomas, Saturday, February 18 from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Oxford County Archives is also featuring displays and exhibits, including:

• A Black History Month display in the lobby of the Oxford County Administration Building at 21 Reeve Street in Woodstock.
• Black history education and features through the Archives online blog and social media. Educational resources can be accessed here.
• Participation in broader local events, including the Black History Month Opening Ceremony at Museum London on February 4, an exhibit at the St. Marys & Area Heritage Fair, and an upcoming celebration of Black History Month at the Tillsonburg Community Centre on February 26 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.