Political empowerment and youth leadership virtual conferences on tap for Black History Month in Brampton
Published February 1, 2021 at 9:40 pm
The City of Brampton is celebrating Black History Month virtually this year.
Throughout February, the city will celebrate the numerous economic, cultural, and compassionate contributions that Brampton’s Black Community makes with several activities and events hosted online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Residents will also be able to nominate individuals for Mayor Patrick Brown’s Making Black History Awards, which recognizes individuals in the community who are advocates, champions and innovators.
“Brampton’s Black community has done so much to make this country the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation it is today,” Brown said. “We are proud to offer a month-long calendar of events that acknowledge and celebrate Black History Month. By taking part in the important conversations and activities planned, we work to highlight important contributions of Black community members in our community, building a more inclusive city.”
Among the list of events included this year is the Black Political Empowerment Conference, which will be held on February 9-10.
This conference, which will present conversations with Black political leaders and allies, will concentrate on the critical importance of building Black political capital as a means of working towards the elimination of systemic racism, social educational and corporate inequality, but most importantly aim to inspire individuals, families and youth to participate in the arena of politics.
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The City will also host a Black Youth Leadership Conference on February 9, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The discussion will give young people an opportunity and platform to talk and share their challenges, concerns and dreams and focus on some of the solutions and ways to support their success. An outreach to youth and school boards, the conference will hear from professionals and motivational speakers. To participate, contact [email protected].
“The Black African and Caribbean communities throughout our city contribute so much to Brampton’s vibrant cultural mosaic and our local economy,” said Charmaine Williams, City of Brampton Councillor for Wards 7 and 8. “As the first Black woman elected to Brampton City Council, I am proud to join Council colleagues and staff in leading the way to acknowledge Black History Month in meaningful ways.”
This year’s list of programming includes:
• Sun Life Financial presents the Virtual Performance Series, a weekly performance series by local Black artists.
• Black Makers Market featuring Black-owned business.
• Wellness hour hosted by local yoga instructor Matthew Bonas.
• Best and Black in Brampton Food Tour hosted by Azalea Hart.
• Panel discussion curated by Brampton’s Jones and Jones Productions, on topics such as staying creative during the pandemic, navigating your career, Black Lives Matter and strong Black leadership.
“Brampton is a mosaic, and by acknowledging and celebrating Black History Month we are recognizing the city’s diversity, said Gwyneth Chapman, Senior Advisor Economic Empowerment and Anti-Black Racism Unit for the City. “Black history is world history. It’s a powerful and rich history rooted in achievement, innovation, culture, and humanity.”
For more information on Mayor Patrick Brown’s Making Black History Awards and on all activities and events happening, visit www.brampton.ca/BHM2021.
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