February is recognized black History Month in Canada, which provides an opportunity to reflect on the many contributions Black Canadians have made to this country.
This year, organizers in Kingston, Ontario hope to shift the focus beyond this month and ensure the reflections continue throughout the year.
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“I’m really excited to start the month with everyone,” says Jermaine Marshall, an inclusion and anti-racism deavisor for Queen’s University.
Marshall is coordinating all kinds of events and activities celebrating Black History.
“For me, that month is a moment when I can really think about my identity, my history and what I want for my community and the society I live in,” says Marshall.
Since its inception in 1995, Black History Month has been a time for reflection and celebration of Black culture, and the Black men and women who have led the way for others.
One such person is Molly Williams – a black woman who became the first female firefighter in the pre-abolition days of the United States.
“I take great pride in the fact that Molly Williams is a true, real trailblazer for women in the fire service,” says Fire Chief Monique Blair of the Belleville Fire Department.
Blair has been instrumental in remembering Williams—through her efforts, Camp Molly was born, a program designed to get more women involved in firefighting.
Marshall hopes to spark interest in those stories through a series of month-long events.
“We have quite a few events that are open to the community, many events that are coming out of the Kingston Grand Theatre,” Marshall says.
While he believes in celebrating how far we’ve come, Marshall says he also believes it’s important to avoid complacency.
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“I always say a pat on the back is both a pat and a move,” he says.
The festival will begin on Wednesday evening with an online opening ceremony featuring performances and the unveiling of a live calendar, which will be updated with events throughout the month.
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