Black History Month celebrations kick off in London

Museum London hosted an opening ceremony over the weekend, marking the start of Black History Month.

Black History Month (BHM) is underway, and this year’s theme is ‘Black resistance and resilience: overcoming adversity and thriving!’

Dozens of people gathered at Museum London Saturday afternoon to hear from local organizations, enjoy special performances and visit community booths from across the Forest City.

“It’s an opportunity for people to engage, to grow, to understand, to learn and also acknowledge what we have done,” said Leroy Hibbert, the event’s organizer.

“Black history is part of Canadian history, and I think it’s important for people to understand the contributions that black people, African Americans, Canadians and those in the Caribbean have made to this country.”

With a diverse crowd in attendance, Hibbert stressed BHM is not just for people of his persuasion.

“We are a community and I think we do need to celebrate because when you talk a lot about black history, I think previously in times past we talked a lot about trauma, but there’s a lot of joy in our experience as well,” said Hibbert.

“I look at slavery and when you go to schools and people talk about black history, slavery is somewhat very integral in the conversation. I believe slavery is not part of our history. Slavery was an interruption to our history because we were free people before we became enslaved.”

Among those addressing the crowd was George McAuley. A well-known member of the R&B quartet from London, McAuley is now vice-principal at John Paul II Secondary School, and one of the few black educators in the city.

“Black history is one of those things that we should be doing all year round,” said McAuley.

“It’s nice to have a kickoff month where we don’t forget some of the some of the basics and some of the things that we always look back and talk about and just reminisce and celebrate and be ready to take it to the next generation and teach.”

He added that this event garners a lot of support annually, and it continues to move forward and thrive.

“I’m very happy to be part of the inspiration for people who are looking on and hoping to get into the education sector,” said McAuley.

“I hope that they can see my shoulders as something to climb on and get to the next level.”

During the event, the London Black Heritage Council announced that after 20 years they have now officially become a registered non-profit organization and will be applying for charitable status.