February is Black History Month, and Niagara College is proud to join communities across Canada to honour the legacy of Black culture and history and celebrate with events and activities on campus.
This years’ events for students and employees support the theme of Black Excellence: A heritage to celebrate, a future to build.
Celebrating Heritage: Black History in the Niagara Region with Lezlie Harper
On Wednesday, February 7 from 2 to 3 p.m., Lezlie Harper, the owner/operator of St. Catharines-based company Niagara Bound Tours will share a local perspective on Black Canadian history in the region. A fifth plus generation Black Canadian whose family came to Canada in 1851, Harper is a proud Canadian who celebrates her ancestral history and continues to engage in an ongoing learning journey in her 20th year as an entrepreneur offering local tours and presentations. Harper is dedicated to preserving historical sites through her role on the Underground Railroad Consortium of New York State and through collaboration with state representatives in the U.S. to establish a Harriet Tubman Trail that will end in Ontario.
Students and employees are welcome to register to attend this hybrid event at the Daniel J. Patterson, Niagara-on-the-Lake Campus (Room N018) or via Zoom.
On February 16, NCSAC and International present in concert with the Afro-Caribbean Association of Niagara College – Black History Month Party! Rep Your Flag Edition. The ticketed event for students will take place from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. in The Core at the Welland Campus. The event will feature a Jamaican and Nigerian dinner menu, a fashion show and live music by DJ DeeBoy and DJ Blanko.
Building Black Futures: Black-Owned 905 Pop-Up Market at NC
A chance to shop from locally owned Black vendors is coming to NC’s Welland Campus!
On Thursday, February 22, Black-Owned 905 will host a pop-up market from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Allied Health Foyer. Vendors will sell a variety of locally produced goods including jewelry, clothing, candles, pantry goods, tumblers and skincare. The event is hosted by the Niagara College Student Administrative Council (NCSAC).
NC will also sponsor Black Owned 905 at the Black History Month Pop-Up Market on Feb. 25 at the Exchange in Niagara Falls. The event brings together music, food, art, culture, and, most importantly, community.
Coming in March: Black NC student voices panel
Stay tuned for a panel event in March organized by NC’s Afro-Caribbean Student Club. The event will feature panelists who will share their perspectives and experiences on being a student at NC.
Community Activities & Learning Resources
Below is a list of a variety of learning resources and activities that you can participate in to learn more about and celebrate Black History in the Niagara Region.
Feb. 17: Variety Show: Downtown St. Catharines is calling on Black and Afro-Caribbean artists of any age or skill level who want to showcase their talent. They are also calling for Black visual artists looking to display their work at key locations in downtown St. Catharines through February. Contact [email protected] for details.
Feb. 25: Black History Pop-Up Market – UMOJA inside the new EXchange in Niagara Falls. Market open between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Anti-Oppression & Anti-Racism Resources available through the ncLibraries
Black History Along the Niagara River-Niagara Parks
Black history in NOTL: commemorating national historic significance
Book a tour with Niagara Bound Tours
Book a tour with Tubman Tours Canada
Follow @blackowned905
Follow @ericasembrace
Follow @matterofblackniagara
Niagara Symphony Orchestra-Soulful A Celebration
Read Slavery and Freedom in Niagara by Michael Power and Nancy Butler
St. Catharines Library-Norval Johnson Heritage Centre Collection
Visit the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
- Watch the documentary, “Black History — A Hidden History,” available for viewing on the museum’s YouTube channel.
Visit Salem Chapel-St. Catharines
Visit the St. Catharines Museum
Visit the Voices of Freedom Park
