Black History Month in the Town of Collingwood

February 4, 2020
Category: 
Events
Sheffield Park

February is Black History Month in Canada, the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands. Black History Month has been a time identified to celebrate and honour the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians in shaping Canada’s rich cultural heritage and identity.

The Sheffield Park Black History and Cultural Museum curated and co-owned by Carolynn Wilson and Sylvia Wilson preserves the history of black pioneers and settlers of Collingwood and the surrounding area. This year, the Sheffield Park Black History and Cultural Museum will be celebrating 30 years of programming. The museum is open from May to October.

As part of Black History Month the Sheffield Park Black History and Cultural Museum will be hosting a series of speakers including:

  • Sheffield Park Museum: 30 Years of Dreaming Big! – Sunday, February 9, 3:00 PM
    Craigleith Community Centre, Lakeshore Rd. East, The Blue Mountains
    Carolynn and Sylvia Wilson will be giving a talk on Howard Sheffield’s vision and family legacy. Admission by donation. Seating is limited, tickets available at LE Shore Library.
     
  • The Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine - Sunday, February 16, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
    Heritage Community Church, 310 Seventh Street, Collingwood
    Dr. Jean Augustine was the first black female Member of Parliament, first black female Cabinet Minister, first Fairness Commissioner in Ontario and introduced the Motion to declare February as Black History Month in Canada.
     
  • Rita Shelton Deverell – Wednesday, February 26, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
    Heritage Community Church, 310 Seventh Street, Collingwood
    Rita, author of American Refugees: Turning to Canada for Freedom, will be available for a book signing at the Heritage Community Church. Her career experience has also included work in television production including directing and writing, theatre, scholar, mentor at AFTN National News and founder of Vision TV.​

Stories of Black History in Collingwood are all around us!

  • Along the wall of the Eddie Bush Memorial Arena Janie Cooper-Wilson’s art provides a window into our history and the difficult work of black settlers in clearing the land for agriculture. Discover More 
     
  • Brenda Miller in her poem JJ Cooper Park speaks to the history of this land and the man who once called the land where JJ Cooper Park now sits his home, providing a small glimpse into Collingwood’s black history through poetry. Discover More 

​Visit the Collingwood Public Library!

  • Explore the book display located in the central foyer created in honour of Black History Month, featuring a collection of fictional and non-fictional books. The library is a wonderful place to find resources, discover new things, and learn more.