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Mosaic of Black Culture making change throughout Simcoe County

'The Town of Innisfil is a welcoming community to all and celebrating Black History Month is just one of the ways we demonstrate our commitment to diversity, inclusion and equity,' said Innisfil mayor

Community members of all backgrounds enjoyed Making Change’s family event, A Mosaic of Black Culture at the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library. 

February is Black History Month and Making Change is dedicated to raising awareness, educating and exposing people to Black communities, Black cultures, and issues around anti-Black racism. 

Determined to further the conversation, the not-for-profit organization is hosting six events in Simcoe County this month.

Director, Co-founder and Chair of Making Change, Michèle Newton told InnisfilToday how it all began.

“In 2019, myself and a friend were looking around before Black History Month… there was nothing coming up at school (for our children and) there wasn't really anything in the community… so we went from one pretty small event that was sold out to three events (in 2020).

“Our very first event, we had almost entirely Black community members,” Newton explained. “Our second year, it was fifty-fifty. So, when we see changes like that, you recognize that everyone wants to be part of building community.”

With traditional Caribbean music provided by award-winning steel pan performer, Pan Fyah, attendees of all ages were invited to dance, participate, and celebrate diversity and inclusion.

“We are a proud partner of Making Change and support the important work they do to educate and lift up Black History and culture. We are excited to bring a Mosaic of Black Culture to Innisfil,” said Erin Scuccimarri, Innisfil ideaLAB and Library CEO. “As a community hub, we believe that the library plays a vital role in both celebrating diversity and in amplifying the voices of Black, Indigenous, and communities of colour that are underrepresented in our community. We hope everyone will join us in celebrating Black History Month this February.” 

Making Change speaker Debbie Opoku-Mulder, ensured that attendees of all ages were engaged as she spoke about local Black history, racism, and what it means to be an ally.

“I think what we're hoping is that individuals in their community and in their family recognize that conversations are something that can always come up… they can be an ally, and they can interject and say, ‘that's not right’ and, ‘let's explore that,’” Newton said.

Children, youth, and adults alike were invited to add one of their handprints to a banner, which acted as a visual representation of inclusion and diversity, while others made their own steel pans after trying to play the real thing.

“The Town of Innisfil is a welcoming community to all and celebrating Black History Month is just one of the ways we demonstrate our commitment to diversity, inclusion and equity,” said Mayor Lynn Dollin. “The Mosaic of Black Culture event at the Innisfil ideaLab & Library provides an opportunity for residents to learn about the Afro-Caribbean Canadian experience, hear amazing music and gain insight into this remarkably vibrant culture.”

Making Change will present A Mosaic of Black Culture in Orillia and Angus/Thornton on Saturday, Feb. 18, Bradford West Gwillimbury on Sunday, Feb. 19, and Wasaga Beach and Barrie on Saturday, Feb. 25. For more information about Making Change, please check out their website.


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Amber Green

About the Author: Amber Green

Amber is a freelance journalist with InnisfilToday. Dedicated to the craft of writing, she is a storyteller at heart who writes novels, poetry, and short stories. She lives in Innisfil.
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