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Courtice resident Hamlin Grange receiving the Mayor’s Challenge Coin from Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster and Councillor Granville Anderson
More than 700 people came out to Clarington’s second annual Black Vendor Village at Bowmanville’s Garnet Rickard Recreation Complex on Saturday, part of the municipality’s kickoff of Black History Month.
Black Vendor Village, a partnership between Clarington, the Region of Durham and Clarington Library, Museums and Archives, is a celebration of resilience, creativity and unity, as well as a popular marketplace. Guests enjoyed live entertainment, dancing, art, food and shopping at 50 vendors and services.
A community quilt was unveiled in honour of the International Decade for People of African Descent. The quilt project was dreamed up Jamaican-Canadian poet, author, and arts educator Nadine Williams in collaboration with the Municipality of Clarington and the museum.
Poet Tracy J, along with Mayor Adrian Foster, Councillor Granville Anderson and Hawa Mire of Clarington’s Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee, highlighted the strength of diversity, with Foster also presenting journalist and social justice champion (and Order of Canada recipient) Hamlin Grange with the Clarington Mayor’s Challenge Coin.
Grange was recognized for his dedication to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, with his efforts having a “lasting positive effect” on the community.
“This weekend, we came together in an impactful way to honour the incredible cultural contributions and legacy of the Black community here in Clarington,” Foster said. “The Black Vendor Village is about more than just shopping; it’s a celebration of our diversity and the values that make Clarington an inclusive community for everyone.”
Events like this play an important role in highlighting the impact of underrepresented groups, Foster added, while addressing systemic barriers that have historically limited opportunities for Black entrepreneurs.
The community can continue to shop from participating vendors at www.clarington.net/BHM to support the businesses all year long.
Celebrating the arts with Ngoma Dance and Drum Ensemble
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