Guelph Black Heritage Events (Black History Month)

Guelph Black Heritage Society (GBHS)

Heritage Hall

83 Essex Street, Guelph

(519) 837-2519 info@guelphblackheritage.ca http://www.guelphblackheritage.ca

Black History Month February 2019

Black History Month celebrates the worldwide contributions made by people of African and Caribbean descent. February provides a month long opportunity to learn more about these achievements, both globally and locally, through live performances that embrace this history (that includes the settlement, development and growth of Canada), culture and daily impact on our lives.

The Guelph Black Heritage Society (GBHS) presents:

* Lantern Ale Re-IGNITED at Royal City Brewing Company – Wednesday January 23, 2019

Step out, listen to the music of DJ Emmitt and enjoy some food with a drink of Lantern Ale – a distinct artisanal brew in honour of Black History Month. This event will feature the launch of the 2019 Black history month calendar.

Drop in from 7pm to 9pm at Royal City Brewing Company, 199 Victoria Rd S Unit C8 on Wednesday, January 23, 2019, 7 pm to 9 pm. Free admission.

* RESPECT: A Guelph Tribute to Aretha Franklin at Royal City Church Life Centre – Saturday February 2, 2019

The legendary “Queen of Soul” was not only a singer/songwriter but also a civil rights activist. Her tribute will feature performances by D’Eve Archer, Jessy Bell Smith, Alanna Gurr, Nicolette Hoang, Scott Merritt, Joni NehRita, Tannis Slimmon, Steph Yates and Bry Webb. This talented group of musicians will be backed by the House Band featuring Emily Ferrell, Dan Gooch, Thomas Hammerton, Nathan Lawr, Karen Ng, Brent Rowan, Tyler Wagler and Nick Zubeck.

Doors open at 7 pm, event starts at 8 pm. Tickets in advance $25 adult, $15 student. At the door $30 adult, $20 student. Royal City Church Lift Centre, 50 Quebec Street, Guelph.

To purchase tickets online: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/aretha-franklin-tribute-tickets-53910313198

* Black History, Black Present, Black Future: A Celebration of Children’s Literature – Saturday February 16, 2019

Book readings, book sales and more! Drop in from 10 am to 2 pm at Heritage Hall, 83 Essex Street. Free admission.

* My Place is Right Here – Hugh Burnett and the Fight for a Better Canada – Saturday February 16, 2019

Hugh Burnett was an African-Canadian who built a movement that changed the country. He was refused service, even a cup of coffee, because of prejudices protected by customs and laws. Mr. Burnett refused injustice. With skill and courage he walked the talk and stayed the course, even when the journey was long, and at times, dangerous.

Performed by Flex We Talent Theatre Company. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7 pm. Tickets $10. Heritage Hall, 83 Essex Street, Guelph.

To purchase tickets online: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/my-place-is-right-here-a-fight-for-a-better-canada-tickets-54754256455

* Fourth Friday at the Guelph Civic Museum – Friday February 22, 2019 A musical performance by Aisha Barrow – an up and coming singer, songwriter and performer! Hailing from Guelph, she has a bold and fresh new sound that draws its inspiration from her roots. Born in Saudi Arabia, yet culturally from the Republic of Gambia she combines the rich musical history of both these places, her own unique sound with influences from artists such as Nina Simone, Janet Jackson, Beyoncé and Earth Wind and Fire. This sound can best be described as a mixture of Pop, R&B, rock and traditional Gambian music (Mande Pop).

Event starts at 7 pm. Free admission, Guelph Civic Museum, 52 Norfolk Street, Guelph.

* A Celebration of Reggae Music at the eBar – Friday February 22, 2019 Reggae: an international cultural treasure worthy of protection and promotion – as added to the list by the United Nations in November 2018.

contribution to international discourse on issues of injustice, resistance, love and humanity underscores the dynamics of the element as being at once cerebral, sociopolitical, sensual and spiritual said UNESCO. (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)

Enjoy an evening of reggae music with Hardcore Band featuring Mark Steele. The Hardcore band is, one of if not, the top reggae band out of Toronto. They’ve backed many international and local artists such as Black Uhuru, Junior Reid, Frankie Paul, Morgan Heritage, Turbulence, Michael Rose, Leroy Sibbles, Mutabaruka, Bushman, Abyssinians, the Melodians, Big Youth, Horace Andy, Errol Dunkley, John Holt, Queen Ifrica, Leroy Smart, Willie Williams, Duane Stephenson just to name a few.

Broadcasted live on CRFU 93.3 FM radio, hosted by DJ Nicky Dread. Doors open at 9 pm, Hardcore plays their first set at 10pm. $10 in advance, $15 at the door. The eBar, 37 Quebec Street, Guelph.

To purchase tickets online: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/a-celebration-of-reggae-music-tickets-54756072888

For more information, email info@guelphblackheritage.ca

Proceeds from Black History Month events will support GBHS programming and “Rampin’ It Up!” campaign. The aim of this campaign is to achieve wheelchair accessibility into Heritage Hall via the Freedom Ramp, foyer and accessible washroom. The fundraising goal is $50,000 and donations of labour and materials to help off-set construction costs will also be accepted.

The Guelph Black Heritage Society (GBHS) is a registered charity. Registration # 80158 3907 RR0001. Tax receipts will be issued for donations.

Since 2011 Guelph Black Heritage Society continues to create a cultural, historical and social community centre within Guelph and Wellington County at Heritage Hall, formerly known as the British Methodist Episcopal Church, a significant destination on the 19th-century ‘Underground Railroad’ slave escape route.