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Amherstburg Freedom Museum, partners kick off Black History Month

Writer's picture: Ron GiofuRon Giofu
Empress Adara (left) and Teajai Travis (centre) were two of the performers at a Black History Month kickoff last Friday night at the Caribbean Centre in Windsor. Rodney Jones (right) sings during last Friday night's Black History Month kickoff. More events are listed on the Amherstburg Freedom Museum's website.
Empress Adara (left) and Teajai Travis (centre) were two of the performers at a Black History Month kickoff last Friday night at the Caribbean Centre in Windsor. Rodney Jones (right) sings during last Friday night's Black History Month kickoff. More events are listed on the Amherstburg Freedom Museum's website.

Black History Month kicked off in the region late last week with a special celebration.


February is also Black History Month but the kickoff was held Jan. 31 at the Caribbean Centre in Windsor with entertainment, highlights of upcoming events and a look back at Black history events.


The Amherstburg Freedom Museum partnered with the Essex County Black Historical Research Society (ECBHRS) and the Windsor West Indian Association (WWIA) to present last Friday night’s event. 


Entertainment included singing, drumming, poetry and more with performers being Paula McPherson, Shadin Sigouin, Jada Larkin, Jordan Grosse, Empress Adara, Erik E-Tomic Johnson, Nadine Manroe-Wakerell, Rodney Jones, Mangwa Premier, and Teajai Travis.


Irene Moore Davis, president of the ECBHRS and interim assistant curator with the Amherstburg Freedom Museum, said the kickoff celebration started at Mackenzie Hall in Windsor in 2014. It would eventually be moved to the Caribbean Centre.


Moore Davis thanked those in attendance for their support as well as sponsors which included the Black Scholars Institute at the University of Windsor, Arbor Memorial, Black Women of Forward Action, Women’s Enterprise Skills Training (WEST) and WE Ride and Dine. 


The theme of Black History Month in 2025 is “Black Legacy and Leaders: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.”


Moore Davis said there are growing attempts to silence their voices “but that tells me we must be doing something right.” She said Black History Month helps celebrate resilience, strength and the ability to overcome. She encouraged people to attend events and get educated and to be inspired.


Amherstburg Freedom Museum board chair Monty Logan recalled going to the first kickoff event in 2014 and enjoyed it every year.


“Every year has gotten better and better,” he said.


The museum tells the story of how people used the Underground Railroad to find their way to freedom. He noted this year is the 50th anniversary for the museum and they have spent five decades trying to tell their stories.


“We understand there are people still trying to rewrite history books,” said Logan. “The Amherstburg Freedom Museum makes sure those stories are told.”


Logan pointed out the museum is partnering with the River Bookshop for the third straight year for Black History Month events. One event is the return of the Windsor Symphony Orchestra (WSO) to the Nazrey AME Church Feb. 14 from 7-8:30 p.m. The concert will celebrate Black composers and tickets are $35.


The museum and bookshop also welcome author Craig Shreve, who will be holding a book signing for his new release “The African Samurai” at the museum this Saturday (Feb. 8) from 1-2:30 p.m.


WWIA president Peter Thompson said their organization is happy to be involved. He said the organization has been around for 40 years and thanked their elders for their service to the community.


More information on upcoming Black History Month Events can be found on the Amherstburg Freedom Museum’s website at www.amherstburgfreedom.org/bhm.

Amherstburg Freedom Museum, partners kick off Black History Month

By Ron Giofu

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