The Town of Collingwood recognizes February as Black History Month in Canada, a time to celebrate the contributions, leadership, and resilience of Black communities. First officially recognized in 1995 through the leadership of the Honourable Jean Augustine, this month invites residents to learn more about Collingwood’s Black history, explore the broader history of Black communities across Canada, and reflect on the important role Black history plays in shaping our shared past, present, and future.
As part of Black History Month, the Town of Collingwood is highlighting a series of initiatives, exhibits, and events celebrating Black history while encouraging learning, reflection, and community connection.
Flag Raising Event
Date: Tuesday, February 3rd
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Community Flag Pole, Collingwood Public Library, 55 Ste. Marie Street
Join us as we raise the Black History Month flag. Standing together as one community, we recognize and celebrate Black heritage and its enduring strength.
Celebrating African Cuisine Cooking Demonstration with Chef Patience Chirisa
Date: Wednesday, February 25th
Time: 1:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Location: Collingwood Youth Centre, 76 First Street
Join us for a live cooking demonstration celebrating the vibrant flavours of African cuisine with Chef Patience, an acclaimed Zimbabwean-born chef, culinary instructor, and recipe developer. Known for her engaging storytelling and passion for fresh, local ingredients, Chef Patience brings African culture to life through food in a delicious and inspiring experience. We will be offering an afternoon and evening session. Tickets required ($10). To purchase a ticket visit www.collingwood.ca/blackhistorymonth
Black History Storyboards: All February
Location: Town Hall & Business Development Centre Windows (97 & 105 Hurontario St) and Collingwood Museum (45 St. Paul Street)
In honour of Collingwood’s rich Black history, we invite you to take a journey back in time and explore stories of our past through storytelling. The storyboards share the history of Black community leaders and changemakers, documenting and illuminating the journey, accomplishments and challenges of Black settlers to Collingwood.
The storyboard project was made possible through the contributions of the Sheffield Park Black History and Cultural Museum, the Collingwood Museum and members of the community.
Community, Diversity & Unity Signs: All February
Location: Downtown Collingwood along Hurontario Street between Second & Third Streets
To further commemorate Black History Month, signage will be mounted to the light standards downtown. Each sign will have a QR code that links to our Black History Month webpage.
Black History Month Ribbons
Black History Month ribbons will be available at Town Hall, while supplies last starting Tuesday, February 2nd during regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Black History Book Collection: All February
Location: Local History Department, Collingwood Public Library, 55 Ste. Marie Street
A display showcasing our local Black History Collection, which has been thoughtfully developed over time and offers a valuable resource for learning and discovery.
Sheffield Park Black History & Cultural Museum Celebrates 30 years of Black History Month - Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations
Date: Wednesday, February 4th to Friday, February 6th & Wednesday February 11th to Friday February 13th
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Location: Heritage Community Church, 310 Seventh Street
Sheffield Park celebrates 30 years of Black History Month honouring Black brilliance across generations. Exhibits of early Black homesteaders and their contributions to Simcoe and Grey counties will be displayed at Heritage Community Church, a dedicated historic site of significant cultural importance. Also on display, UGRR Quilts, Settlement Storyboards and African Artifacts
For more information on Black History Month programming and events, please visit www.collingwood.ca/blackhistorymonth