Vaughan joins communities across Canada to recognize Black History Month
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City hosts community event to commemorate history, culture
and heritage
Today, Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua and Members of
Council gathered at Vaughan City Hall with the community for the Black History
Month Observance Ceremony. Presented by the Thornhill African Caribbean
Canadian Association (TACCA), the event brought residents and visitors together
to learn about and be inspired by Black-Canadian heritage.
Attendees heard from
former cabinet minister Mary Anne Chambers, who spoke about cultural advances
and developments with the Ontario Black community and the importance of paving
the way for future support and success. Guests enjoyed live music from the
TACCA steel drum band, and a special reading of an original poem performed by
author and poet Nadine Williams titled “Palm to Pine: Igniting Hope.”
A commemorative quilt,
provided by Williams, honouring the International Decade for People of African
Descent 2015-24 which was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly and
which was endorsed by Council in 2018, will be on display City Hall. This
further confirms Vaughan’s commitment to foster an inclusive community as
outlined in the Vaughan Inclusion Charter and the 2018-2022 Term of
Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan.
This
event marks the culmination of month-long activities throughout the city,
including readings by Williams and Nadia L. Hohn at Vaughan Public Libraries.
Officially
recognized in December 1995 by the Parliament of Canada and supported by Mayor
Bevilacqua during his time as a member of parliament, Black History Month is
observed in Canada every February. It is a celebration that unites communities,
like Vaughan, and honours the men and women who have made lasting city-building
– and nation-building – contributions.
QUOTE
“Black
History Month is a time to learn about the unique and inspiring stories of
Black Canadians and the important role this community play in the growth,
development and history of our city, province and country. Vaughan’s Black
History Month Observance Ceremony is among the many ways the City demonstrates
its commitment to foster greater awareness and appreciation for the cultures
and faiths that thrive here. Vaughan is a welcoming and inclusive community
where diversity is celebrated every day in every way. Our residents come from
around the world. We take great pride in providing an exceptional quality of
life, where everyone is encouraged to reach their full potential, actively
participate in civic life and be treated with respect, dignity and freedom from
discrimination. I encourage all citizens to learn more about the powerful,
positive and enduring impact of Black Canadians, participate in cultural events
taking place in our community, and reaffirm our shared commitment to moving our
city forward without leaving anyone behind.”
- Mayor
Maurizio Bevilacqua
QUICK FACTS
- Vaughan has a diverse community. In fact, nearly half of the city’s population was born abroad, and 105 different languages are spoken in Vaughan.
- Recognizing history and heritage months and flag-raisings are just some of the many ways the City demonstrates its commitment to fostering a greater sense of community, awareness and appreciation for the diversity of cultures, creeds and faiths that thrive throughout the city.
- Founded in 2005, TACCA believes in building a strong community that is a positive contributor to Vaughan and Canada. It hosts and celebrates many cultural events, provides scholarships to students of African and Caribbean descent and offers community programs for people of all ages.
LEARN MORE
- vaughan.ca/culture
- Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua’s statement on Black History Month
- Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua’s statement proclaiming Lincoln Alexander Day
- City of Vaughan’s 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan web page
- Signing of the Vaughan Inclusion Charter news release
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