Sudbury's Afro-Heritage Association will host its annual Black History Month Celebration on Feb. 1, to recognize individuals of African descent and the contributions they have made to society.
Every year, a new theme is chosen to reflect the global climate and how the association plans to address the issue in the coming months. said Charles Nyabeze, president of the Afro-Heritage Association.
This year's theme is "recognition through contribution."
To this day, it is not uncommon for the efforts of an individual of African descent or their community as a whole to go unnoticed, said Nyabeze. Adding that recognition, if present, tends to take place on the individual level rather than a public display of appreciation.
Through this and events held throughout the year, Nyabeze said the group aims to not only celebrate accomplishments or individuals that may have been overlooked, but also inspire others to act in their image.
Nyabeze said their goal is to encourage individuals of African descent to make positive contributions to their community and champion recognition of that good work.
But this education-based initiative is about more than that.
Black History Month provides an opportunity to combat stereotypes and misconceptions associated with this particular group he said, that can hinder their social progression. Not everyone who sees immigrants of African descent in their community know the valuable role they have in the continued success of the city, he said.
"That's why we think it's important to be able to showcase the fact that the Afro-heritage community does contribute in a meaningful way towards the economic and social fibre of Sudbury."
In an effort to inspire meaningful community involvement, this year's Black History Month Celebration will include a children's craft section and design contest leading up to event day.
Products created through the contest will be used to raise awareness for the association while fundraising for its programs and services said Nyabeze.
Find more information on the digital design contest here.
The 14th annual Black History Month Celebration will include both formal and social programming, beginning at 5:30 p.m. with a keynote speech by Mr. Francois Nzotungwanimana. It will also include a dinner, dance performance by Chantae Robinson and a fashion show by Tsitsi Mhende.
This will be followed by a dart and domino competition, as well as music and dancing at 9:35 p.m.
Everyone and anyone is welcome to attend, regardless of skin colour or cultural heritage.
Tickets are free for children under the age of six, $25 for children older than six, $50 for adults and $400 for a table of eight. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
Find the full event schedule and link for online ticket purchase here.
More information on the Afro-Heritage Association of Sudbury can be found on their website or Facebook page.
