Celebrating Black History Month in Kawartha Lakes

Celebrating Black History Month in Kawartha Lakes

There are many who ask why we need Black History Month, celebrated each February. I would welcome the day when we do not need a reminder of the key roles, contributions and sacrifices that people in general, and Black people specifically, have made throughout history.

For Black people, it is a time to celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion and to keep alive the many stories of bravery, fortitude and resilience of individuals of African descent. But, while we have, and continue to make many strides, we have not yet reached the mountaintop.

Opinions converge on the notion that learning Black history helps us understand Canadian history and who we are as a country. It has the potential to promote unity and our goal of becoming a truly inclusive society. It highlights the achievements of Black people – their struggles, ambitions, and successes, whether as scientists, inventors, politicians, teachers, artists, business or trades people.

Criticism about Black History Month still exists. It promotes discomfort and feelings of guilt, some say. Or it makes white children feel uncomfortable and guilty about their identities, say others. Some lawmakers in the U.S. (and some politicians here) are unleashing attacks on Black history under the guise of protecting white children from “discomfort.” Some states are banning the teaching of critical race theory. Many want to cancel discussions on uncomfortable histories such as the Holocaust and offensive campaigns against Indigenous peoples. Some don’t want teachers to have discussions on these topics for fear the subject matter is too sensitive. And yet those are exactly the kinds of discussions we need to have and what many teachers do so well.

As an educator, my concerns are for the children in our schools. Will the lessons learned in school about diversity, equity and inclusion become enduring and lifelong goals?  Will they develop the empathy that is the essence of positive interpersonal relationships? Will they be motivated to promote and defend for all, the rights so many Canadians cherish?

I have great faith in our teachers who work to prepare our students to become citizens who think critically and analytically, who feel deeply and empathically and who act wisely and ethically.  This is so important when fake news and misinformation are rampant.

The following professionals in the Advocate are excellent examples of hardworking immigrants in Kawartha Lakes. Some have been here for a long time; others have recently arrived.

Our rural Canadian communities are becoming more diverse, and this is an incredible opportunity. With diverse viewpoints and backgrounds, our society becomes more resilient. Diversity increases economic opportunities, social trust, and even creativity.

Welcoming people of different backgrounds can boost local businesses, improve public health, and deepen civic participation. Participating in Black History Month is one small way we can acknowledge our changing communities – and get to know one another a little better.

–Dr. Avis Glaze is a former director of education for the Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board. She was Ontario’s Education Commissioner and has worked with educators in over 50 jurisdictions worldwide.

Laurine Kazhila

I am a Zambian who has lived in Lindsay for 22 years. I have worked at the Ross Memorial as a registered nurse for the last 15 years and have raised three kids in Lindsay alongside my husband who is a medical specialist in the community.

As we were amongst the first few Black and African families within Lindsay, there was very little diversity. And so, we found ourselves seeking culture and diversity elsewhere, such as in food markets, access to Black hair salons and more.

However, the community of Kawartha Lakes was very welcoming to my family. We quickly settled in and involved ourselves in various community activities, making it easy for my children to participate in local sports and the arts.

Fairview Baptist Church played a big part in increasing my family’s community involvement as newcomers. as well as neighbours and friends who became extended family.

Now that we are seeing more diversity in Kawartha Lakes, we now have access to diverse foods, with the opening of the African store on Kent Street. There are also black hairdressers and barbers.

As an African immigrant, I realize my personal experience and family history differs from those of first and second generation Black Canadians. However, I appreciate Black History Month for the mere fact our presence and contributions are recognized and honoured despite historical and ongoing systemic racism. It matters to me that my children are able to identify and resonate with accomplished Black figures who overcame hardship and achieved greatness in spite of the many hurdles in their way.

Black History Month being recognized in Lindsay shows me that our Kawartha Lakes community sees us, especially with our growing presence. We also feel more supported, whether as Black business owners, professionals, and our children in the school system.

As we observe and celebrate Black History Month together as a community, let us pay homage to those who left their imprint on this great country of ours.

Mauvalyn Campbell

I am an educator, child and youth care worker, Personal Support Worker, real estate agent and a mentor. Most importantly though, I am a mother of two amazing young men. I work closely with and support individuals with autism and special needs from different backgrounds and cultures, as well as their families. People with disabilities hold a special place in my heart. I was born in St. Ann, Jamaica and the eighth of nine children.

Growing up in Jamaica, Black History was always a part of me and my family. There was no need for a specific month to celebrate or acknowledge the culture. Upon immigrating to Canada in 1990, I experienced a culture shock. I soon realized that I had to navigate many identities to find my place in Canadian culture. I pushed past the “discriminatory pain” to acquire personal growth, success and achievements. My recent move to Lindsay one year ago has been a great experience so far.

To me, Black History Month lends itself as a platform to inspire, educate, celebrate and bring awareness to the contributions and achievements of Black people throughout history. It plays a very significant part in Canadian society and the local community at large, as it allows people the opportunity to be more open minded, to explore and learn about Black culture, and to embrace and appreciate the contributions and achievements by Black Canadians. It also draws recognition to the strength, courage and resilience Black people possessed as they navigate difficult and painful pathways.

Being Caribbean Canadian, Black History Month means celebrating all the sweetness and joy we experienced growing up, through music, food, cultural dances and folk songs. Canada being such a diverse country, it means connecting and sharing all these experiences with all Canadians, as well as the many other cultures that make Canada a beautiful human garden.

Working with children and youths of different abilities and cultures for the past 25 years, I was able to engage them in several Black cultural activities and sampling of cultural foods, which they enjoyed. As we include everyone, we strive to break down the barriers that set us apart and look forward to standing together as one. We must be mindful though, that all the recognitions, inclusions and celebrations should not only be in February. The spirit of Black History Month should be everyday and always.

Felix Thomas Jr.

I am a bachelor in his early 30s, with a career in finance, helping young professionals and families.

My parents were in Canada pursuing their education and career when I was born and moved back to Dominica when I was only seven months. I grew up in Dominica, a small Caribbean island between Guadeloupe and Martinique, and moved back to Canada to pursue my bachelor’s degree in accounting at age 19. I have three younger siblings whom I cherish, and a beautiful daughter who’s almost five.

I’m very adventurous and love undertaking mind stimulating challenges. I spend a lot of free time journaling, reading and exploring nature in Canada and abroad. Travelling to new places is therefore a passion of mine. Health is of great importance, so I often go to the gym and make it a priority, along with a diet of healthy whole foods.

Growing up in Dominica, we didn’t have a Black History Month, so it was new to me when migrating to Canada. I’ve attended some of the related events in the Durham Region before. I think it’s a great way for the Black community to come together in support of one another so we can strengthen each other. Building relationships is an important part of life and it’s just easier to form relationships with people we have more in common with.

Black History Month can broaden Canadians’ awareness of our diverse cultures. We can live more in harmony with each other simply by knowing more about each other.

Lindsay is very quiet to me which was what I was accustomed to when I lived in Dominica. For a significant part of my life, our family lived in the countryside where there were only three houses near each other – and all were close family members.

I find the people of Lindsay to be very friendly. I lived in the Durham Region before moving here and I can say that there’s a greater sense of community in Lindsay. I say that because here people greet each other and have real conversations more often than I experienced living in Durham. I can see Lindsay is a growing place, but I hope it doesn’t lose its community spirit.

Overall, my experience living in Canada has been great. I’ve had my ups and downs like everyone else, but I love it here. I’m truly grateful for the opportunities at my disposal, overall safety and the healthcare system to name a few. For the most part, the only things I could complain about are the extremely cold weather and taxes.

Kehinde Olumuyiwa

I’m mostly known as Kenny and was born and raised in Nigeria with an identical twin sibling. My profession is human resources. I’m also an ambivert, enjoying singing, cooking, entertaining, and meeting people. I relocated to Canada from Nigeria in January 2020. I’m a mom to two handsome boys and a wife to an amazing man. We moved to Lindsay in June 2024.

When I moved to Canada and heard of Black History Month, I immediately thought it was just a month dedicated to teaching about Black people’s history, and achievements. As I have settled into the system, I’ll say Black History month for me means awareness, learning to embrace a people and culture that maybe are different from the familiar.

Lindsay has been kind to us – we have met lovely people here since we moved. I was worried for my kids initially not knowing what to expect at school or in the neighbourhood because it wasn’t diverse and I didn’t really know what to expect, but so far it’s been a positive experience. I have met and interacted with many lovely people.