Black History Month event for everyone Sat. Feb 21

Kawartha Lakes will be celebrating Black History Month on Saturday Feb. 21 at Celebrations in Lindsay from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event is being hosted by Kawartha Lakes and Haliburton Immigrant Services Association (KLHIISA).

The event is free to attend, and food and refreshments will be provided. There will be DJ music, live music performances and guest speakers.

“The event offers a great opportunity to celebrate community connections and our shared common humanity,” said Geraldine Silva, one of the founders and directors of KLHIISA.

Tichina Stoutt is one of the speakers and said this event is important for the community. “It’s going to be fantastic to do something in the community with space for learning about culture.”

She’s lived in Kawartha Lakes since 2011 and has found that there hasn’t always been space for people from different cultures to meet.

Since moving here, she’s noticed that many people tend to simply pass through the area. By hosting events like this, she hopes to show that there are welcoming spaces for people to gather and connect. “It’s important to offer something for them to look forward to.”

There will also be a door prize, with an original piece of artwork by Kawartha Arts Network member Joan Forsythe. The mixed media collage, titled Exodus, is a powerful reflection on struggle, resilience, and the journey toward freedom.

Raffle tickets are $20 and can be purchases with cash at the even or at rebrand.ly/BHMRaffleTickets.