The Community Race Relations Committee of Peterborough proudly announces the launch of a calendar of local Black History Month 2022 events, starting on February 5th with a virtual launch event open to the public. This event will be hosted via Zoom and streamed live via CRRC’s Facebook page.
The celebration will include a traditional African dance performances. Guest speaker Rosemary Sadlier will guide you through the history of celebrating Black Canadian accomplishments. Rosemary will also speak on the “Long Road to Recognition for Emancipation Day in Canada.”
Beginning at 7:00 pm, City of Peterborough Mayor Diane Therrien will proclaim the opening of Black History Month, followed by greetings from other dignitaries.
There will also be lots of free giveaways from local Peterborough businesses.
Full Program for February 5th:
6:50 pm: Musical prelude
7:00 pm: Welcome by Charmaine Magumbe, CRRC board member, and introduction of City Councillor Stephen Wright
7:05 pm: Land Acknowledgement by City Councillor Kemi Akapo
7:10 pm: Recorded version of National Black Anthem (Lift Every Voice and Sing). A short history of the National Black Anthem by Rosemary Sadleir.
7:20 pm: Black History Month 2022 Proclamation by City of Peterborough Mayor Therrien and comments from City Councilor Don Vassiliadis, Peterborough Deputy Chief of Police Tim Farquharson, and statements by other dignitaries.
7:35 pm: African dance performance by Afiwi Groove
7:40 pm: Rosemary Sadlier — Speaking on “The Long Road to Recognition for Emancipation Day in Canada”
7:50 pm: Cayo Whyte, CRRC Board Member — Free giveaways from local Peterborough businesses
8:00 pm: Closing remarks — City Councillor Stephen Wright
8:05 pm: Musical postlude
About Rosemary Sadlier
Our special guest Rosemary Sadleir is a historian, author, educator and Black History expert based in Toronto. From 1993 to 2015, she was president of the Ontario Black History Society. Among her publications are Harriet Tubman: Freedom Seeker, Freedom Leader and The Kids’ Book of Black Canadian History (KidsCanPress).