Gala, movie night and more planned for Black History Month

Black History Month celebrations started with a proclamation from the city.

On Monday (Feb. 5), members of the African Community in Timmins (ACIT) gathered at city hall for the mayor to declare February Black History Month in Timmins.

“It’s very important to us,” said Simone Amagnamoua. “In Canada, it’s very touching to realize that, ‘Oh wow, we are important for them!’”

This year’s theme is Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build, and Mayor Michelle Boileau said the theme fits very well with the community in Timmins.

“The idea was so much that yes, we have to celebrate and honour past Black figures that contributed so greatly to our communities and our country, but it encourages people to look forward and what kind of future we can have,” said Boileau.

Events throughout the month will allow people to celebrate the contributions of Black Canadians, African cultures, music, food, and dress.

Canada started recognizing Black History Month in February 1996, and the recognition feels supportive, said Amagnamoua.

“To remember trailblazers and to remember the journey of Black people who have sacrificed for us to be here today is a wonderful feeling,” said Amagnamoua.

ACIT has planned an African Gala, a movie night at the library on Feb. 24, and other educational events. On Feb. 15, Collège Boréal is hosting an event for international students.

When it comes to traditional clothing, there is a challenge in Timmins.

“Because of the cold, we have to adapt,” said Tania Numbi, a member of the ACIT executive.

Amagnamoua said the cold weather won’t discourage anyone from making the Collège Boréal event feel like home for international students.

“We want to make students feel like they are in a hot country with a tropical theme,” she said. 

ACIT executives encourage everyone to try as many different experiences throughout the month as possible.

 “We have diversity in Africa,” said Amagnamoua. “I can’t recommend just to try one, there are so many flavours.”

The sense of community is also a draw for Numbi.

“Just looking forward to having Africans and everyone else to get together and relax and just enjoy the moment we have,” she said. “It’s not always that we have such nights, so you have to make the most of it.”

Celebrating Black History Month is an act of kindness, said Amagnamoua.

“Our community is being recognized, and we appreciate it,” she said.