NEWS RELEASE
INNISFIL IDEALAB & LIBRARY
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The Innisfil ideaLAB & Library is celebrating Black History Month with a series of partner events that celebrate diversity and Black culture.
Whether you’re looking for a fun activity to celebrate with your family or hoping to deepen your understanding of the rich history, contributions, and experiences of Black communities, the library has something for everyone. With engaging workshops, inspiring speakers, interactive programs, and curated reading lists, these events provide meaningful opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate Black culture and history.
Becoming an Active Ally: Practical Steps to Support Marginalized Communities
Join Parents Against Racism Simcoe County for this meaningful learning opportunity. Explore what it means to be an active ally and the impact allies have on creating inclusive environments. Participants will discover actionable ways to support and uplift others in this free workshop. Registration is required.
Lakeshore branch: Thursday, Jan. 23, 6 to 7 p.m.
Mosaic Connects
Join Making Change for a welcoming drop-in program designed to bring Black seniors together through creative craft activities and meaningful social connections.
Lakeshore branch: Wednesdays, Jan. 29, Feb. 5, Feb. 12, Feb. 19, Feb. 26, 1 to 3 p.m.
Children’s programs with Ms. Love
Read, sing, play and celebrate at these energetic programs for children. Families of all ages will love these fun-filled sessions with Ms. Love.
Learn, sing, and play together at a special drop-in family storytime from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Lakeshore branch: Saturday, Feb. 22, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Join Ms. Love on the Move. Get ready to move and groove at this very special workshop for kids to celebrate Black History Month.
Lakeshore branch: Saturday, Feb. 22, 1 to 2 p.m., ages five to eight, $2 per person. Registration required.
Ms. Love is Trician-Renée Edwards, advocate, educator, and founder of The Love and Light Collective.
Black History Month Book Club
Join guest facilitator and local Black author Roxann Wittingham as we discuss The Skin We’re In by author Desmond Cole at this special Black History Month Book Club. Registration required.
Lakeshore branch: Thursday, Feb. 27, 6 to 7 p.m.
Radiant Roots
The Innisfil ideaLAB & Library is excited to host Radiant Roots, Making Change’s second Black Cultural Expo. This event is a celebration of culture and heritages, featuring captivating music, an array of culturally diverse vendors, engaging speakers, and family-friendly crafts and activities, including a cultural fashion show celebrating styles from Pan Africa. The event will feature a variety of Black-owned businesses and vendors, from crafts and jewelry to clothing and spices, along with a flavourful selection of cuisine.
Lakeshore branch: Saturday, March 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on our shared history, celebrate the achievements and resilience of Black communities, and foster learning and connection,” said Erin Scuccimarri, CEO of Innisfil ideaLAB & Library. “By partnering with organizations like Making Change and Parents Against Racism Simcoe County, we’re able to offer enriching, free, and family-friendly events. We warmly invite everyone to join us at the library to connect, learn, and celebrate this important month together.”
Additionally, you can find booklists and reading guides that celebrate Black history and culture, listings of community partners and events, and other resources available all year long. Visit our Black History 365 web page.
Since 1995, Canadians have celebrated Black History Month thanks to the Hon. Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament. Despite having a presence long before Confederation, Black Canadians are often left out of history books, and their culture, stories and endless achievements remain unrecognized.
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