Our Voices, Our Journeys – PAMA celebrates Black History in a unique way

BY JONELL PANTLITZ

This Black History Month, The Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives (PAMA) is hosting an exhibition called Our Voices, Our Journeys. It is in celebration of one of many black communities in the Peel Region. Unfortunately, PAMA closed its doors in March 2020 thus last year’s exhibit was openly available for only one month. “Though our facilities remain closed due to COVID-19, PAMA strives to create an accessible, safe space for the diverse communities of Brampton, Caledon, Mississauga and beyond to come together and celebrate arts and culture,” said PAMA. This is why PAMA has decided to transform last year’s on-site exhibition to digital this year.

According to PAMA, “The exhibition highlights the personal journeys of leaders and mentors from the North Peel Community Church congregation. Their photos and objects illustrate stories of immigration, resilience, and family life, and how they established a community of faith in Caledon.”

The North Peel Community Church is located in Sandhill, a crossroads in Caledon East. In 1871 the church was built as St. Mark’s Anglican Church, the building was however purchased by Bishop Ronald and Pastor Claudette Kelly in 1983, and officially opened in 1988.  David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon once stated, “The North Peel Community Church has made many significant contributions to our wonderful community including: family and youth counselling, a senior’s program, a youth summer camp, the sponsorship of community sports teams, participation in community events, and other community-related activities.”

This February, celebrate Black History Month and join the conversation of resilience and the growth of a vibrant community around the North Peel Community Church. Visitors of the exhibit will see projects that they are working on, and the different ways the community has stayed connected during the pandemic.

There is a new generation that has walked through this community of faith. The 60+ congregation is now made up of Canadian members originally from: Jamaica, Trinidad, Guyana, Lebanon, the province of Newfoundland and all walks of life. “It can be challenging when others don’t know your culture. But don’t be afraid to join a new community. You can make a difference. Help in your new community,” Unknown.

There will also be conversations on “Caribbean Connections the Black Atlantic” with special guests from the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre Cynthia Dorrington (Site Manager), and Graham Nickerson (Board Member). This will be your chance to learn about stories linking Canada to the Caribbean and the Caribbean to the world. Cynthia Dorrington is currently the Chair of the Black Business Enterprise and Chairs of HR, Governance & Nominations Committees for Africville Heritage Trust, Halifax Hospice and Canadian Urban Institute. Cynthia is also a Commissioner on the board of the Nova Scotia Human Rights. Graham Nickerson has a multifaceted background; he has been heavily involved in non-profit work and is a board member of the Black Loyalist Heritage Society and the New Brunswick Black History Society.

If you are ready to join the conversation on February 20^th, 21^st, and 25^th to celebrate Black History Month check out PAMA’s website at http://pama.peelregion.ca/.