Black History Month events spotlight culture, creativity across Hamilton and Burlington

The 30th Black History Month celebration continues this weekend across our region, with events that blend culture, community and creativity.

From a hands-on weaving workshop and a film screening at Valley Park, to a vendor showcase at Burlington Centre, there’s something for all ages.

Bold colours, rich patterns and stories woven into every thread, Black History Month came to life at the Hamilton Valley Park Library today with a hands-on kente cloth design workshop.

Kente cloth originates from Ghana and has become a powerful symbol of African heritage, history and pride.

During the session, participants learned the meaning behind the textile, using paper strips in place of thread to create their own designs.

“It’s important for the kids to weave or understand kente cloth because it ties back down to their roots and their identity — and with that, gives them that sense of belonging within the community which the weaving is involved in,” said Jordan Chen, outreach facilitator at McMaster University.

Black History Month is about learning, celebrating and connecting.

“We were just so happy to have the young people come on out, ages eight to 15, and engage in the kente, having rich discussion about culture, about the language of African descent, and also to learn about how to communicate through expression of art,” said Cassandra Dockery from The Jamaica Foundation of Hamilton.

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From weaving to a different kind of storytelling, The Jamaica Foundation of Hamilton also hosted a screening of Garvey’s Ghost, a Caribbean TV original series for all ages.

“It speaks about one of our national heroes, Marcus Garvey, and how he inspired a lot of people to own their own business and become empowered. To just be comfortable in a country that they’re not familiar with, but just look for opportunities to advance,” said Dockery.

And just a short drive away at Burlington Centre, the celebration continues with a Black History Month vendor showcase. Local entrepreneurs and artisans are sharing their businesses, their talents and their stories.

“My parents came from the island of Grenada. I was born in the U.K. It’s important to be here to show diversity and inclusivity in the City of Burlington,” said Stella Pascall, owner of Stella by Design.

KulchaShock: Legacy in Motion, featuring handcrafted goods, was organized to support local businesses while celebrating community.

“It’s a way to celebrate our heritage and who we are, where we come from and some of our products,” said Chantelle Pitt, owner of CNCM Creations.

From threads to film to small business, today offered three different ways to honour Black History Month. Thirty years of recognition and still so many stories left to tell.

“We’ve gone through so much and this is our time to shine,” said event organizer Lauri Hill.

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