“Black history is Canadian history”: Region celebrates Black History Month

Officiating at this flag raising were Warden Marcus Ryan, Jetine Watson of Oxford Caribbean Canadian Association, and Local historian Heather Rennalls. (Ron Yuzark Photo)

Connor Luczka, Echo Correspondent

Each February is a time when all Canadians are encouraged to learn and celebrate Black history.

After all, as Woodstock Mayor Jerry Acchione said, Black history is Canadian history.

“This is a time for reflection, education, and, most importantly, a time to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of Black Canadians, both throughout our nation's history and right here,” Acchione said at a flag raising at the Woodstock Museum.

“Here in Woodstock, we recognize the strength and diversity of our Black community. This month, I encourage everyone to take the time to learn more about Black history, to listen to the stories and choices that have shaped our world and to reflect on how we continue to create a more just and inclusive future. Let's not limit these conversations to February, to carry them forward throughout year, in our workplace, schools, in our daily lives.”

Acchione joined a number of individuals on Feb. 3 in Woodstock for two raisings of the Pan-African flag – one for the City of Woodstock at the museum and one for Oxford County, which is just down the road from the museum in Woodstock as well.

Oxford County Warden and Zorra Township Mayor Marcus Ryan said that the annual reminder to celebrate Black history is needed each year, however, this year it is needed perhaps more than ever.

“For those of us who (aren’t Black), I think we’re all going through a little lesson on this right now,” Ryan said, referring to the degrading relationship between Canada and the U.S. “We found out in the last few days, few weeks, what it’s like for your history to be ignored and for your contributions to be cast aside – for your existence to be undervalued by somebody who you thought valued your relationship. Imagine if that wasn't just the last few days, last few weeks. Imagine if that was your whole life, and that was your whole identity everywhere you went.”

Heather Rennalls, an independent researcher associated with the Black History Month organizing committee for Oxford and the Oxford Canadian Caribbean Association (OCCA), was one of the individuals in attendance. She moved to the area over three decades ago, drawn to the rich Black history in the area.

Despite that deep history, Rennalls shared that this was the first time there has been a flag raising in the city. Furthermore, this was the first time there have been flag raisings in the wider county as well.

“OCCA and the county did one last year at the county. And then we thought, ‘You know what, why don't we do that everywhere,’” Rennalls said. “I do presentations on Black history throughout Oxford County, so I thought the places I talk about, why don't we go there? So, it would be Norwich and Ingersoll and Tillsonburg as well. Hopefully, moving forward, we'll have something every year.”

She shared that there are many places to learn more about Black history in Canada and locally. To name a few, she said that the Toronto-based Ontario Black History Society is a good resource, as is the Woodstock Archives and museum.

Additionally, in honour of this month the museum has partnered with the Oxford County Archives and the Downtown Woodstock Business Improvement Area (BIA) for a “Black History Month Shop Hop,” for residents and visitors to learn more about local history.

In February, patrons can visit Hanak Foods at 357 Dundas St., Highlander Studios, at 2 Endy Calder Pl., Lionessence Beauty Supply at 815 Juliana Dr. #2, and Urban Queens n AfroMart at 579 Dundas St. – all African, Black, and Caribbean owned businesses in Woodstock – to learn about Black Woodstonians of the past.

Each business features a display with a miniature exhibit highlighting local history, created by the archives and using museum photos and information. Visitors can also enter to draw for a $100 gift card or a framed artwork from Eyeconic Warriors – Art for Change.

Rennalls shared that the county wide celebrations would not be possible without the help of a lot of people and organizations. Furthermore, the support of local governments is instrumental to their successes – and shouldn’t be taken for granted.

“Especially (with) what’s happening across the border,” Rennalls said. “When someone keeps asking me where I am from, even though I don't have an accent, and I still get rare looks (as if) I'm someone with two heads, we still need Black History Month, unfortunately.

“We have been here,” she further stated. “We've been here for a long time.”