The City of Peterborough is marking Black History Month with a series of community events throughout February, beginning with an official proclamation by Mayor Jeff Leal.
Leal will declare February as Black History Month during a kickoff event at El (P), 380 George St. N., on Sunday, Feb. 2, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event, organized by the Community Race Relations Committee, the Centre for Gender and Social Justice, and BLM Nogojiwanong, will feature live entertainment, raffle prizes, and refreshments.
“This is a time to celebrate and acknowledge the countless contributions of Black Canadians who have helped shape our community,” Leal said. “It is also a time for reflection as we work toward building a future rooted in equity and inclusion.”
The event is open to all residents, and Leal is encouraging community participation in events scheduled throughout the city.
CRRC-Sponsored Events
Several events organized by the CRRC will highlight Black history and culture in Peterborough, including:
- Feb. 7, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Black Girl Snowshoe at Jackson Park, hosted by Zwena Grey in partnership with the Diverse Nature Collective. Snowshoes will be provided by Camp Kawartha. Registration is available online or via email at patricia@racerelationspeterborough.org.
- Feb. 7, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.: Afrobana Showcase at Market Hall.
- Feb. 9, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.: The Afrocentric Awareness Network of Peterborough will host a free Afrocentric meal until 2 p.m., followed by a presentation by Jane Braithwaite and a performance by Faith Nolan. The event, also supported by the Peterborough and District United Way, requires registration via phone at 705-917-9397 or email at aanptbo@gmail.com.
- Feb. 14, 10 p.m.: X’s & O’s Valentine’s Day Mixer at Bar 379, in collaboration with BLM Nogojiwanong and the Centre for Gender and Social Justice.
A full list of CRRC-sponsored events is available at facebook.com/racerelationspeterborough.
Library and Museum Events
The Peterborough Public Library will host several Black History Month programs for children and adults, including:
- Feb. 8: “Hands are for Helping” with Errol Lee.
- Feb. 13: Tween Book Club discussion of Control Freaks by J.E. Thomas.
- Feb. 22: Afrocentric Story Time.
- Feb. 25: Adult Book Club discussion of River Mumma by Zalika Reid-Benta.
- Feb. 27: Monthly BIPOC Book Club discussion of Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid.
The Peterborough Museum and Archives will feature the Celebrating Black Brilliance exhibit, showcasing the lives of Black leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Maya Angelou. Visitors can also explore Snapshots of Canada, a photographic display reflecting key moments in the country’s history.
Leal emphasized the importance of these events in fostering awareness and appreciation for Black history in Peterborough.
“I encourage all residents in our community to participate in the events held across the city this month,” he said. “Celebrating Black History Month helps honour the stories and achievements of Black Canadians.”
