‘A message of solidarity’: Dufferin’s Black History Month panel focuses on solidarity moving forward
A message of solidarity’: Dufferin’s Black History Month panel focuses on solidarity moving forward
Dufferin County’s panel for Black History Month will focus on unified solidarity and moving forward
Source: Tabitha Wells Orangeville Banner
Thursday, February 18, 2021
Ongoing education and unified solidarity are two of the main themes at this year’s Black History Month Panel, held virtually Feb. 20.
The event, held in partnership with the Museum of Dufferin (MOD), Dufferin County Canadian Black Association (DCCBA), and the Dufferin County Diversity and Inclusion Committee, is marking its second year.
“We enjoy working with the community on these endeavours, and we believe it’s very important,” said Nanci Malek, spokesperson for the MOD. “Here we are in 2021, and we’re still having to educate about racism.”
The theme, ‘Solidarity in My Community’, will include discussions on opportunities in Dufferin County for a unified community force and how these actions will affect the future.
“It will be an amazing conversation,” said Alethia O’Hara-Stephenson, president of the DCCBA and one of the panellists. “We will be carrying on the message from last year when we saw everyone coming out to march in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.”
She added that particular demonstration of solidarity within the community is part of learning how to continue forward in support of each other and of inclusivity.
“It’s important for us to be able to provide that advocacy for the community,” said O’Hara-Stephenson.
She also noted more often, the DDCBA and other leaders are hearing about different barriers members of the community have come across.
“The education component is ever so critical,” said O’Hara-Stephenson. “There are people who are still questioning Black Lives Matter, and who are still not understanding the struggles of the Black community and what they continue to go through.”
Other issues include raising awareness to issues people may not be aware impact the Black community locally more than some others. This includes issues such as the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on the mental and physical health they face.
Joining O’Hara-Stephenson on the panel will be Steve Anderson (deputy mayor of Shelburne), Maestro Fresh Wes (Juno Award winning musician and record producer), Kardinal Offishall (Juno Award winning artist), Kevin Hanchard (Canadian actor), Nadine Williams (poet), Kyle Seeback (MP for Dufferin-Caledon), and Sylvia Jones (Solicitor General of Ontario).
“Kardinal, Maestro, and Kevin are going to talk about being entertainers, having the stage, and whether they feel they should be responsible for educating people,” said Malek.
Malek noted officials from each level of government were also invited.
“I’m going to be asking the members of the local governments what is happening at each of these government departments to address systemic racism,” said Malek.
She added the MOD sees itself as a community hub, and that it’s an honour for them to be able to help represent diversity and inclusion in the area.
“It’s very important, and I really strongly personally feel that we need to continue to educate,” said Malek.
Over its first year, the DCCBA has taken a leadership role surrounding education and support within the community. As to whether the heightened conversations and action are from growth or awareness, O’Hara-Stephenson says it’s hard to tell at this stage.
“Because of the platform we’ve been able to share, we’re being more aware of it,” she explained. “Until we’re able to actually put pen to paper and collect data, it would be hard to say whether it’s been growth versus awareness.”
Ultimately, a major goal of the panel is to ask one very important question: how can the community be informed in unity, and where does it grow from here?
“It’s a great way to come out and support a great cause, support some great organizations, and hear a message of solidarity, hear about how we can carry this forward,” said O’Hara-Stephenson.
The panel can be viewed on the Dufferin County YouTube channel at 1 p.m. on Feb. 22 at www.youtube.com/user/DufferinOne.