Awakened Voices event tells story of untold Black history

FERGUS – The Centre Wellington Black Committee (CWBC) is bringing its Awakened Voices narrative to Fergus during Black History Month in February.

Awakened Voices is a series of events that bring to life the rich and often untold stories of Canadian Black history, officials say. 

Through a blend of artistic performances, historical narratives and community engagement, these events aim to educate, inspire and foster a deeper understanding of the Black experience in Canada, they add.

This year’s performance highlights the contributions of individuals like Reverend Josiah Henson, founder of the Dawn Settlement; Thornton and Lucie Blackburn; Mary Ann Shadd; Richard Pierpoint, a former soldier and landowner; and the residents of the Queen’s Bush Settlement, including John and Ida Little. 

“These narratives are not just recitations of the past; they are living testimonies delivered through the emotive mediums of spoken word, poetry, music, and visual arts,” officials state in a press release.

Taking the stage are: 

– singer and actor Carlos Morgan;

– spoken word artist Truth;

– spoken word artist Samuel Soga;

– performing artist Peter Skoggard; 

– spoken word artist Kevin Heronjones; and

– performing artist Raechele Lovell.

The performance will be held Feb. 7 at 7pm at Melville United Church.

Admission is free but donations are welcome.

For more information, email CWblackcommittee@gmail.com.