Minto welcomes Garvia Bailey for Black Heritage Month celebration

HARRISTON – Minto’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee is inviting all to celebrate Black Heritage Month with a Feb. 28 event. 

Journalist and storyteller Garvia Bailey will lead a multi-media presentation exploring the lives of two extraordinarily driven and courageous Black women with stories connected to southwestern Ontario, officials say.

Bailey’s presentation, entitled “Black Women of Faith and Resilience: Finding Community in Southwestern Ontario,” will take place on at the Harriston Train Station (83 Arthur St. W.) from 10am to 12pm.

Bailey will share the story of Sylvia Young, a freedom seeker whose story of attempted kidnapping during the early days of emancipation brought the newly formed community of Stratford, Ontario into the national spotlight. 

The presentation also explores the story of Eva Bailey, Garvia Bailey’s mother, who more than 120 years later brought her family to Stratford, settling into a place of acceptance and safety first carved out by Sylvia Young. 

“Together, their stories invite reflection on who we were, who we are today and who we continue to strive to be,” officials state in a press release. 

Following the presentation, attendees are invited to stay and connect with the guest speaker while enjoying snacks provided by May’s Café at the Old Post.

Tickets are $10, with all proceeds going directly back into the Town of Minto DEI Committee to support future events and initiatives that foster inclusion, education and community togetherness.

Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite (town.minto.on.ca/calendar) or in-person by visiting the Town of Minto office (5941 Highway 89, Harriston) or Launchit Minto Office (1 Elora St., Unit 4, Harriston). 

Space is limited so register by Feb. 20. 

For more information email erin@town.minto.on.ca or call 519-338-2511 ext. 242.