DCCBA and MOD presents Black Heroes Past, Present & Future on February 27

By PAULA BROWN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Dufferin County Canadian Black Association (DCCBA) and the Museum of Dufferin (MoD) are partnering to host an upcoming event in celebration of Black History Month. 

The event, entitled “Black Heroes Past, Present & Future”, will be held virtually on February 27 at 1 p.m. and feature a number of familiar faces discussing the evolvement of Dufferin County's Black community.

“We welcome the community to join us for this opportunity of learning our past, what's happening in the present, and what we can expect to the future,” said Nanci Malek, Events and Marketing Coordinator for the MoD. “Our Black community is very strong and we are supportive of people educating themselves on the history, and what is going on in our community today.” 

Panelists at the event will include Grammy Award-winning artist and author Dan Hill, who will read from his book “I Am My Father's Son: A Memoir of Love and Forgiveness” and Godfather of Canadian Hip Hop, Maestro Fresh Wes. 

Local leaders such as Shelburne Deputy Mayor Steve Anderson and Soulyve Incorporated's Phil Dewar, will also be in attendance as panelists, as well as Centre Dufferin District High School (CDDHS) Black Chapter Youth group members – Danielle Bryan, Ashanti Brooks, and Tyra Harris. 

This year marks the third year the Museum of Dufferin and Dufferin County Canadian Black Association have partnered to bring the Black History Month celebration to Dufferin County. 

Black Heroes Past, Present & Future will look at the stories of Black History featured in the MoD's main exhibit, Through the Looking Glass, while discussing present work from leaders to shape diversity, equity and inclusion in the community, and how youth are shaping future discussions. 

“I couldn't think of a more appropriate theme to represent this time that we're in, this Black History Month,” said DCCBA founder and president, Alethia O'Hara Stephenson. 

O'Hara Stephenson noted that this year's theme allows for a shift in the narrative that has commonly surrounded Black History Month. 

“In order to know where you are going you need to know where you are coming from. Oftentimes, when we think about Black History Month, we talk about slavery, but it's much more than that,” she said. “This is an opportunity to talk about the rich contributions that Black Canadians have done in our community and throughout Canada to pave the way for us. But, more importantly, it a great way to celebrate and acknowledge how far we've come, the great things we've accomplished, but yet so much more to do. When we look at the brilliance and excellence of our young people – their future is bright and we're already seeing their excellence on full display.” 

Black Heroes Past, Present & Future, presented by the DCCBA and MoD will take place on February 27 at 1 p.m. and will be live streamed on the Dufferin County YouTube page.

Questions from the public for the Q&A session are requested to be submitted before the event at [email protected].