Mosaic of Black Culture events in region
During Black History Month, several communities across Simcoe County will welcome the Mosaic of Black Culture, a family event.
Created by Making Change, this interactive event features live steel pan music, a make your own steel pan craft, and an overview of Black History from a local Canadian perspective.
“With so much rich Black History right in our own backyard, our interactive event will get the whole family engaged,” said Michèle Newton, co-founder and chair of Making Change. “Making Change’s mission is to spark conversations around diversity and inclusion. Through our Mosaic of Black Culture event we want to create opportunities to build allyship. As we learn about Black History together we can move forward in community togetherness.”
Attendees will hear traditional Caribbean music provided by award- winning steel pan performer, Pan Fyah. Youth can try the steel pan themselves and also create their own drum to take home in this fun-filled family event.
The event will also share an engaging overview of Black History presented by Making Change speaker Debbie Opoku-Mulder.
Making Change program director Laura LaChapelle, a former Creemore resident, said Opoku- Mulder will be giving an overview of Black history in Canada, sharing local sites that have rich history, and talking about how we can all become allies in our community.
Participants are also invited to add to a diversity tapestry, which is travelling throughout Simcoe County.
“We’re inspired by what it will end up looking like and how this could be turned into a beautiful art piece that showcases the natural beauty of Simcoe County,” said LaChapelle.
The closest event will be held in partnership with Wasaga Beach Public Library on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Wasaga Beach Recplex Oakview Room, 1724 Mosley St.
Admission is free but pre- registration is required. Visit www. MakingChangeSC.com for pre- registration links to events happening in Wasaga Beach and Barrie on Feb. 25, Innisfil on Feb. 11, Orillia, Angus and Thornton on Feb. 18, and Bradford on Feb. 19. Spaces are limited.
Contributed photo: During Black History Month, in February, the organization Making Change is hosting a series of events entitled the Mosaic of Black Culture, including performances and steel pan crafts with Pan Fyah.
