Spotlight on: Celebrating Black heritage in Guelph
The ߲ݴýBlack Heritage Society is promoting events for Black Heritage Month
The ߲ݴýBlack Heritage Society restored and maintains Heritage Hall at 83 Essex St. and preserves the history of the building, which is the former British Methodist Episcopal Church.
Did you know that Guelph’s Heritage Hall was built in 1880?
The former British Methodist Episcopal Church building has stood at . ever since. (GBHS) said it was built by formerly enslaved Black individuals and their descendants who came to ߲ݴývia the Underground Railroad.
A group of volunteers set out to preserve this building when it went up for sale in 2011 and they continue to celebrate the cultural significance within its walls. The GBHS was formed to provide a unique gathering space and home for knowledge and the organization’s vision includes raising awareness and addressing social issues of importance to Black Canadian communities.
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The GBHS has Denise Francis at the helm as president, a recent recipient of the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her more than 20 years of volunteering in Guelph. In 2022, Francis was named one of “Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch,” by Canada’s International Black Women of Excellence.
The ߲ݴýBlack Heritage Society presents Black Heritage Month events.
߲ݴýBlack Heritage Society
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The GBHS is celebrating Black Heritage Month with three events.
“Integrating Mindfulness in the Work of Being Black”
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On Feb. 15, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Giselle Jones, a social worker and psychotherapist, will explore the invisible labour of navigating the world being Black, and the resilience and power found in intergenerational and lived experience. She will invite and instruct participants on how to embrace “micro moments” of mindfulness at the free workshop held in Heritage Hall.
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Tickets are available at . Donations are welcomed.
A Tribute to Bob Marley with Dr. Mike and Friends
On Feb. 22, Heritage Hall presents a celebration for what would have been the 80th birthday of music legend Bob Marley. Dr. Mike and friends will pay homage to the reggae icon who inspired folks all over the world. The show starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $20.
Tickets are available at .
Fourth Friday at the ߲ݴýCivic Museum featuring Verese Vassell-Bowen
On Feb. 28, the ߲ݴýCivic Museum will have singer/songwriter Verese Vassell-Bowen for their Fourth Friday event. The ߲ݴýgospel artist is the executive producer for the annual Joy in the City show during the Christmas holidays. This free show starts at 7 p.m. at
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To donate to the ߲ݴýBlack Heritage Society and support its work, visit .
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