Black History Heritage Event acknowledges history while celebrating community and faith

Zehrs and Sobeys supermarkets both donated generously, providing fruit and vegetable trays, drinks, fried chicken, potato wedges, plates, cutlery and napkins. Olive and friends prepared fried dumplings and plantains, curry chicken, samosas and salads. (Robin Krafft Photo)

Robin Krafft, Post Contributor

Tillsonburg's third Black History Heritage Event took place on Feb. 23 at the Tillsonburg Community Centre.

The non-profit event featured historical displays, music, a children's choir performance, and an exhibition of Black business in Oxford county. Attendees enjoyed Afro-Caribbean food as well as spoken word poetry and inspirational speakers.

The event was organized by Olive and Courtney Williams. Olive had been actively involved in organizing Black History Month celebrations in their former city of Brampton. After moving to Tillsonburg, the couple learned about historical sites here in Oxford County, including Underground Railroad “stations”, where escaping people were fed and sheltered. Olive wanted to bring that history back to life.

The Oxford County Archives describe how "freed members of the formerly enslaved Black community in America were already living in Norwich Township by the mid-1800s. Many people arrived in Oxford County through the help of supporters of the Underground Railroad ... created in the late 1790s by abolitionists, people who wanted to end the practice of slavery and provide a way for fleeing slaves to find safety." Otterville and Ingersoll were historically important areas of Black settlement in the county.

Tysha Rieger, Archival Technician for the Oxford County Archives, brought an impressive display of information to Sunday's event, acknowledging that there is an ongoing effort to recover and discover more of this important history.

"People here embraced our ancestors, the runaway slaves, and helped resettle them," Olive said, adding, "With this event we want to remember our past, and aspire for a better tomorrow, strengthened by faith."

Supported by members of the Tillsonburg Alliance Church, faith is an important element of the event.

Olive explained the connection: "We want to remind people that we overcame not only because we fought but because of the sovereign power of prayer. We overcame, we were strengthened by faith."

"I love bringing the community together and allowing people to get to know one another, to celebrate our history and our heritage." Olive said.

She mentioned the welcoming demeanor of Tillsonburg residents when the couple moved here four years ago.

"This is a different place," she said, "I experience love from the community and I'm reciprocating it. Smiles, greetings, it's all about our attitude; when you bring that out into the community, people will want to connect with you."

Pastor Tobi Adelusi gave a moving talk at the event, speaking eloquently about its purpose.

"This is a time to gather momentum from where we were to where we need to be. We must make the best of the sacrifice of our heroes. We must not forget the reasons why we celebrate. Our history is rich with not only struggle, but with triumph."