City of Peterborough Celebrates Black History Month
Peterborough, ON – The City of Peterborough is celebrating Black History Month throughout February.
Mayor Jeff Leal will proclaim February as Black History Month during an event organized by the Community Race Relations Committee (CRRC), the Centre for Gender and Social Justice, and BLM Nogojiwanong at the El (P), 380 George St. N., from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, February 2, 2025.
This event will include live entertainment, raffle prizes, light snacks and refreshments.
“This is a time to celebrate and acknowledge the countless contributions of Black Canadians who have helped shape our community,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “It is also a time for reflection as we work toward building a future rooted in equity and inclusion.”
Sunday’s event is open to all residents.
Events celebrating Black History Month are taking place at locations across the city throughout February.
“I encourage all residents in our community to participate in the events held across the city this month,” Leal said. “Celebrating Black History Month helps honour the stories and achievements of Black Canadians.”
Events organized and sponsored by the CRRC include:
- February 7, 10: 30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Jackson Park: Black Girl Snowshoe, hosted by Zwena Grey in partnership with the Diverse Nature Collective. Snowshoes are provided by Camp Kawartha. Email patricia@racerelationspeterborough.org or register online at Eventbrite.
- February 7, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Afrobana Showcase at Market Hall. Afrobana tickets via Eventbrite.
- February 9, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.: The Afrocentric Awareness Network of Peterborough is hosting a free Afrocentric meal until 2 p.m., followed by a presentation by Jane Braithwaite and performance by Faith Nolan. Call 705-917-9397 or email aanptbo@gmail.com to register. This event is also sponsored by the Peterborough and District United Way.
- February 14: X's&O's Valentines Day Mixer at Bar 379 beginning at 10 p.m. with BLM Nogojiwanong and the Centre for Gender and Social Justice.
For a full list of events sponsored by the CRRC visit them online at facebook.com/racerelationspeterborough.
Other Black History Month events taking place at City facilities can be found below.
The Peterborough Public Library
Events for children:
- February 8: Hands are for Helping with Errol Lee
- February 13: Tween Book Club – Control Freaks, by J.E. Thomas
- February 22: Afrocentric Story Time
Events For Adults:
- February 25: Adult Book Club – “River Mumma,” by Zalika Reid-Benta. This book club meets in person from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., and a hybrid meeting from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- February 27: Monthly BIPOC Book Club, “Such a Fun Age,” By Kiley Reid
Peterborough Museum and Archives
Celebrating Black Brillance – Lessons from History: Discover the inspiring lives of Black leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Maya Angelou, through selected books at the PMA. Reflect on their stories and share a lesson or inspiration on our Celebrating Black Brillance wall, creating a collective tribute to courage, resilience, and leadership.
Snapshots of Canada: Explore unforgettable moments in Canada’s history, through photographic images that are tangible reminders of the triumphs, failures and sacrifices that have shaped our country.