Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association – Black History Month activities

Black History Month

In recognition of Black History Month, Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) is hosting a series of virtual events in partnership with the Town of Newmarket. Join us as we explore the theme: Allyship and Leadership.

Black History Month 2022 is presented under the slogan, “Get up! Stand Up! There is Power in Unity” which draws inspiration from the national and global response to racial injustice over the past two years. The social and public display of structural injustice has galvanized the world to stand up in outrage. It also made us look introspectively at the foundations of our economic, political, cultural and social institutions to examine and address systemic injustices. To some degree, there has been an organic meeting of minds across age, gender, class, race and culture.

The spotlight on the historical and continued systemic injustices faced by the Black community has awoken a desire to do something in many community members who want to do more, but may not know how. This year’s lineup of activities and events are designed to bring us closer to those commitments.

Featured virtual events include:

  • All month long, visit the Ujamaa Virtual Black-Owned Marketplace.
  • Flag Raising Town of Newmarket – Tuesday, February 1, 2022 | 11:30 a.m.
  • Flag Raising Town of East Gwillimbury – Wednesday, February 2, 2022|11:30 a.m.
  • Virtual Reception and Celebration: featuring Keynote Speaker Loralea Carruthers, guests, live entertainment, Spoken word and more – Saturday, February 5, 2022 | 10:30 a.m.to 12:30 p.m.
  • Moderated Panel Discussion: Harnessing Allyship and Leadership. Moderated by Kim Wheatley and Panelists Beatrice Anane-Bediakoh, Melissa McLetchie, and Mollie Coles Tonn – Tuesday, February 15, 2022 | 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
  • Evening Falls Illumination -Thursday, February 17, 2022 | Dusk to 11p.m.
  • Meet Akilah Newton, author of the popular book series “Big Dreamers: The Canadian Black History Activity Book for Kids” and “Movers, Shakers, History Makers: The Canadian Black History Book of Rhymes” – Thursday, February 24, 2022 |

Detailed information on live streams and virtual meeting places are available at  newmarket.ca/blackhistory  Register early as spaces are limited.

The   Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association is an emerging association in the Newmarket area, providing strong leadership for the resident African Canadian community, with a focus on Black Youth. An aspect of NACCA’s framework is to build bridges that promote intercultural understanding.