The City of Vaughan invites you to celebrate Black History Month at two major events planned in the month of February.
Celebrations kick off with CariVaughan, a 15-day carnival costume exhibit from February 10 to 25 at the Vaughan Arts Space, Maple Community Centre, hosted by the Vaughan African Canadian Association. Opening night is on Friday, February 10, from 6 to 8 pm. A visual presentation of the flamboyant history of Carnival, from its African spiritual roots to the modern-day Carnival parades that are celebrated in many countries around the world will be featured.
African Canadians in history will be highlighted on Sunday, February 19, from 4 to 6 pm, when a short film, The Drinking Gourd, will be shown at City Hall. The eye-opening film, by Selka Crruthers, portrays how Black loyalists defended Upper Canada in the 19th century during the War of 1812. The underground railroad and the founding of the first African Canadian settlement in Oro-Medonte township, Simcoe County, are also featured. The “drinking gourd” was used as a code word that carried instructions and a map for slaves escaping from Alabama in the United States, and the operatives who helped them.
A colourful brochure in a poster printing style that gives more details of these two events can be downloaded at www.vaughan.ca. The events are part of the City’s Diversity Strategy that seeks to provide opportunities for creative cultural expression, celebration of traditions and achievements, and meaningful dialogue. Both events are free.
