Guelph Black Heritage Society announces new Wellington County chapter
New organization to host meet and greet, Calabash Harvest Festival
WELLINGTON COUNTY – The Guelph Black Heritage Society has announced that a new chapter has been formed in Wellington County.
The Wellington County Black Heritage Society (WCBHS) will expand the reach of Black heritage education, cultural programming and community engagement throughout the county, officials stated in a Sept. 9 press release.
The new group will build on the foundation and leadership of the Guelph group and will focus on preserving local Black history, celebrating community achievements and creating learning opportunities for residents across the county, the release states.
"We want people to know that Black history exists in every corner of our county," said Patricia Brown, chair of WCBHS.
"Our goal is to reach communities throughout Wellington County, amplify local stories and create opportunities for people to connect, learn and celebrate together."
To kick off the new organization, officials are holding a Community Meet and Greet on Sept. 15 at 6pm at the Centre Wellington Chamber of Commerce, located at 400 Tower St. S.
Here residents can learn more about the organization, meet its founding members, share ideas and explore ways to get involved.
Registration is available at https://simpli.events/e/wellington-black-heritage-gathering.
The society's first community event is on Oct. 10, when it presents the Calabash Harvest Festival at the Rockmosa Community Centre in Rockwood from 1 to 4pm.
This celebration of culture, community and the harvest season will feature cultural foods, artisan vendors, storytelling, drumming, steel pan music, beading crafts, face painting, henna, pumpkin carving, a reptile show, and entertainment by DJ Futcha Squad. Suggested admission is a donation of $5 per person or $20 per family.
For more information visit https://simpli.events/e/calabash-harvestfest.
More events, programs and opportunities will be developed in the coming months, officials say.
WCBHS "welcomes partnerships with local organizations, schools, businesses, cultural groups, and residents who share its commitment to building a more inclusive, informed and connected community,” states the release.
