Peterborough Examiner Referrer

Black History Month kicks off

Mayor urges city to celebrate ‘many achievements’

ALEX SCHUMMER EXAMINER REPORTER

Black History Month has begun in Peterborough with Mayor Jeff Leal issuing a proclamation encouraging residents to learn more and celebrate contributions of Black Canadians, while the local Catholic school board recently held its first Black Shirt Day to raise awareness

“Black Canadians have made significant contributions to the development and betterment of our community throughout our city’s history,” stated Leal in a press release.

“During Black History Month, we celebrate the many achievements and contributions of these residents to the economic, cultural, and political life of our community and our country.”

Peterborough is a growing and increasingly diverse community, explained Leal. In 2021, almost 10 per cent of residents identified as a member of racialized group, up from 6 per cent in 2016, with about 1.5 per cent identifying as Black.

“In 2019, city council approved the City of Peterborough becoming a member of the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities,” he stated. “Member municipalities must advance initiatives to improve their practices for social inclusion, establish policies to eradicate racism and discrimination, and promote human rights and diversity.”

To help launch Black History Month, the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board held its first Black Shirt Day on Jan. 17.

“Many boards have already engaged in this day in prior years, and it’s something with our continued focus on anti-racism that we wanted to look at supporting in our system as well,” superintendent Jeannie Armstrong told The Examiner. “Because it’s a wonderful day to raise awareness. It’s also a great day as we lead into a Black History Month, which we’re launching Feb. 1.”

The Catholic board is stepping up its Black History Month events this year, with additional events and presentations taking place at its 30 elementary schools, six high

schools and one virtual school, she said.

“We have presentations that are happening in our secondary schools. These include the International African Inventors Museum and Global African Icons Exhibit, and other presentations that are happening throughout our schools,” Armstrong said.

“We’ve sent out resources to all of our elementary and secondary schools. We also have different activities centrally. We have an opening ceremony here at the board office on Feb. 1.”

Wednesday’s opening ceremony focused on highlighting key events taking place during Black History Month, she addded.

“It is really our hope, as a community that we will highlight our commitment to promote anti-racism policies and practices,” Armstrong said. “Ensuring that the way forward for both staff and students is through education and awareness.”

Trent University is hosting eight events for Black History Month, some of which are open to the public, including a student group celebration from 10 a.m. to noon at the Trent Student Centre Event Space.

The Community Race Relations Committee of Peterborough has hosted Black History Month events in past years but has yet to announce any plans for this year.

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2023-02-02T08:00:00.0000000Z

2023-02-02T08:00:00.0000000Z

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