Every February, people across Canada celebrate Black History Month to honour the enormous contributions Black people have made and continue to make in all sectors of our society. This year’s theme is: “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.” The month of February gives us a chance to celebrate the resilience, innovation and determination of Black people as we listen, learn and foster greater understanding and compassion in our everyday interactions.

To mark the occasion, Oxford County Library and Oxford County Archives are highlighting the following learning opportunities:

• February 1: Join Oxford County Archives for the Black History Month opening ceremony at Museum London from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The afternoon will feature keynote speaker George McAuley, special musical guests, and a presentation by Black Graduation Coaches Tarik Kifle and Aaliyah Lamberink-Ilupeju. Learn more.
  
  
• February 3: Join the Oxford Caribbean Association and Warden Marcus Ryan at noon to raise the Pan-African flag at the Oxford County Administration Building in Woodstock. Afterward, the public is invited to attend a short reception at the Woodstock Museum National Historic Site for light refreshments and displays on Black history in Oxford County. Learn more. 
  
  
• February 15: The Ingersoll Branch of Oxford County Library will be hosting local artist and poet Duane Kumala-Thomas (dKT) for a special presentation With Special Guest dKT: A Black History Month Event. Through poetry and dialogue, dKT will uncover histories, celebrate Black excellence and spark meaningful discussions on Saturday, February 15, at 10:00 a.m. inside the Ingersoll Library Branch. 
  
  

• February 18: The Oxford County Library Tillsonburg Branch invites residents to Discover Your Past: Searching for Canada’s Early Black Settlers. The February 18 session starts at 1:30 p.m. and will cover the general history of Black settlement in early Canada and discuss (and demonstrate) some of the most useful online research resources. This session is available in person or online via Zoom. Registration is not required but space is limited. Learn more. 
  
  
• All month: The Woodstock Museum National Historic Site is partnering with Oxford County Archives and the Downtown Woodstock BIA for the Black History Month Shop Hop celebrating African, Black and Caribbean businesses. The Shop Hop invites everyone to stop by participating local businesses to learn about black Woodstonians of the past for a chance to win a $100 gift card. Participating businesses include:
  • Hanak Foods – 357 Dundas Street
  • Highlander Studios – 2 Wendy Calder Place
  • Lionessence Beauty Supply – 815 Julian Drive #2
  • Urban Queens Beauty Shop and Afro Mart – 579 Dundas Street  
    
    
• All month: Oxford County Library staff has prepared a list of recommendations to help you celebrate Black History Month and explore books about Black history in Canada. This list contains books for children and adults. Check out the “Discover Diverse Perspectives” page for a book list and to learn more about other people, experiences and communities. Check the Oxford County Library calendar in February for more events related to Black History Month.