Black History Month is a time to engage, learn, and celebrate Black history in Innisfil and across Canada! We’re grateful to our community partners for their leadership and for sharing their experience and knowledge.
Black History Month Proclamation
Mayor Dollin and Council have proclaimed February 2023 as Black History Month in Innisfil.
Genealogy for Black and African-American Ancestors
Conducting genealogical research on Black and African-American ancestors has historically been challenging as a consequence of institutional racism and how it has limited the availability of accurate records. Despite improvements in more recent history, the inadequacy of earlier record-keeping continues to be an issue.
As a result, the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library has created a starter guide to provide resources that may assist beginners and experienced researchers alike to find their Black and African-American ancestors in Ontario, Canada, and the United States.
Resources
Celebrate and learn during Black History Month with local and relevant resources.
| Innisfil ideaLAB & Library Book Lists and Films |
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Celebrate and learn this Black History Month with staff-curated book lists from the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library:
If you're looking for film, view the curated collection available with your Library card through Kanopy. |
| Black History in Canada - The Canadian Encyclopedia |
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The Canadian Encyclopedia's Black History in Canada presents a timeline of Black history in Canada from 1608 to present. |
| Revival: The Oro African Church |
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Presented by the Township of Oro-Medonte, the Revival - The Oro African Church documentary reveals the preservation project of the Oro African Methodist Episcopal Church. Follow the journey through the eyes of a descendant. |
| Diverse Voices Unite - A Virtual Event to Honour and Celebrate Black History Month in Simcoe County |
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In this pre-recorded video, prominent guest speakers outline personal experiences and knowledge of Canadian Black history amidst various artistic performances of celebration. Local dignitaries and social justice committee students share conversations about what Black History Month means to them. Community partners share their good works and visions toward equity. |
| UPlift Black History - History of Black Simcoe |
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Chair of UPlift Black, Yaa Deane, produced UPlift Black History - History of Black Simcoe for Black History Month. |
| #ShareTheirStory Videos and Educational Resources |
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The goal of #ShareTheirStory is to change the way we talk about history in Canada by bringing the stories of five historic Black entrepreneurs into the discussion. In partnership with the Ontario Black History Society, Ryerson University and the Rella Braithwaite Foundation. |
| Stories of Colour |
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Stories of Colour features children’s books written by authors of colour, or whose central character is a person of colour. It's important for children to not only see themselves being represented in the stories, but also by the individuals telling the stories. |
Community organizations
Get to know the organizations that are supporting racial equity and offering resources for our community.
