Canadians of African descent: going forward, guided by the past

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“Members of the wider community are here, but so are individuals from our African continental community, our Underground Railroad descendant community, our Caribbean and Latin American community. We’re just so happy to see everybody celebrating together.”  ~ Irene Moore-Davis

This is my second year making the trek Southwest to Windsor for their Black History Month kick off, which was held on Friday, January 31^st, 2020. The event was free to the public and was jointly hosted by: the Essex County Black Historical Research Society, the Windsor West Indian Association, and the Amherstburg Freedom Museum.

They have had some dedicated sponsors who continue to collaborate with the organizations to pull off the over 20 Black History Month events and activities planned for Windsor and Essex County in the month of February. Morris Sutton Funeral Home, the University of Windsor Department of History, The University of Windsor Human Rights Office, and the City of Windsor Office of Cultural Affairs sponsored the kick off. Acknowledgements were also given to Essentials Citizens Association, The Guardian Club, and The Black Coalition.

“It’s not just about the Underground Railroad, even though that’s a story we love to tell most around here. There are fantastic stories from every decade that really matter.” ~ Irene Moore-Davis

I always enjoy seeing the youth come out to learn about their history, and it was encouraging to see that parents made the effort to bring their children out to the event. There was a lot of visual stimulation; they had artistic performances (poetry, drumming and song) by local artists Teajai Travis, Mbonisi Zikhali, Kionna Wilson, the Cameroonian Association of South-Western Ontario Dance Group, and the Hidaya Diaspora Junior Dance Group.

It was great to see avid historian, author, and President of the Essex County Black Historical Research Society, Irene Moore-Davis contributing her time to the community. When you get a chance, do search our Women Empowered Feature to learn more about this wonderful talent. Irene has greatly contributed to the recording of the history of the Windsor/Essex area. She keeps herself busy with committee roles at: Essex County Black Historical Research Society, the North American Black Historical Museum, the Northstar Cultural Community Centre, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Leadership Windsor/Essex and Book Fest Windsor.

Some other key people who were in the room that night included Constable Neil McEachern, and Gemma Grey-Hall. Constable Neil McEachern hails from the sunny island of Trinidad, and happens to be Windsor Police newest Diversity Officer. He is currently the face of the police in the community, and part of his job is talking to community groups and visiting schools in the Windsor area. He understands the need for relations, and work with members, and organizations in the community to bring about positive change.

A spectacular force (who I like to refer to as the connector) is none other than Gemma Grey-Hall. She is the current President and Chair at West of Windsor Inc, as well as the Major Gift Officer at the University of Windsor. What I appreciate about Gemma is her ability to build connections in the community. It is because of her that I was able to connect with President Irene Moore-Davis and Constable McEachern. As soon as she saw me, she did it again by connecting me with a prominent, and relevant woman. You will have to stay tuned for that.

The night would not have been complete if we didn’t honour the trailblazers who have come and gone. All in attendance were reminded to look at our examples: Daphne Clarke, Shelley Harding-Smith, Brian Kersey, and Frieda Parker Steele. We must remember the stand that they took for their communities and continue to honour their work by doing what we need to do to carry on our great traditions.

To find out black history highlights, and to see the official release of the 2020 Windsor-Essex County Black History Month Activity Schedule of local black heritage and cultural events, visit the Tourism Windsor Essex website.

“We have a great history. We have all the tools within us to do the work that needs to be done.” ~ Irene Moore-Davis