Centre Wellington Black Committee preparing for Black History Month
CENTRE WELLINGTON – The Centre Wellington Black Committee has organized a series of events in honour of Black History Month in February.
The events celebrate the achievements, resilience and cultural legacy of Black Canadians, officials say, and this year’s programming highlights community connection, historical storytelling and artistic excellence.
“Black History Month is a living legacy,” stated Centre Wellington Black Committee founder Millicent Gordon.
“It is a time to honour our ancestors, uplift our communities and celebrate the voices that continue to shape our shared future.”
Community meet and greet
The month began with a community gathering featuring drumming, conversation and cultural engagement on Feb. 1 at Walmart in Fergus.
The kick-off event set the tone for a February rooted in unity, service and shared purpose, officials stated.
Awakened Voices Narratives
Awakened Voices Narratives presents two performances featuring storytelling, first-person historical monologues and dialogues, and ensemble work exploring the lives of Black abolitionists, early Black settlers and the cross cultural alliances that shaped Ontario.
Each performance includes a community question-and-answer session and invited remarks from attendees.
The first performance is on Feb. 7 at 7pm at Melville United Church in Fergus.
The second is on Feb. 14, at 3pm at Salem Chapel BME Church – Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Site in St. Catharines.
Featured performers include J. Nicole Noel, Carlos Morgan, Kevin Heronjones and Raechele Lovell, who will portray historical figures such as Viola Desmond, Marie‑Angélique Joseph, Mathieu Da Costa, Ida and John Little and Richard Pierpoint.
New performers joining the 2026 lineup include actor/vocalist/musician Samuel Soga, acclaimed spoken‑word artist Truth Is… and veteran stage actor Peter Skoggard, who will portray Reverend William King and Nicholas Beaver, honouring the courage and compassion of those who supported freedom seekers in early Ontario.
Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff tribute concert
The month concludes with the return of the Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff Tribute Concert, celebrating the 81st birthdays of two global icons on Feb. 28 at the Fergus Grand Theatre (244 St. Andrew St. W.).
The concert features internationally acclaimed artists Errol Blackwood and Jimmy Reid.
This musical experience honours the messages of liberation, unity and resilience that continue to inspire audiences worldwide, officials say.
The Black History Month program is sponsored by Canadian Heritage.
