Black History Month Events

February 7, 2012

MANITOBA'S CULTURAL DIVERSITY HIGHLIGHTED DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH: MELNICK

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Calendar of Events Issued; Theme this Year is 'Moving Together With Peace and Love'

Manitobans have the chance to gain more knowledge of the province’s cultural diversity with the launch of Black History Month, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Christine Melnick announced today.
“The tremendous cultural diversity of our province is truly a fundamental characteristic of Manitoba and all these cultures are part of our heritage,” said Melnick.  “Many groups are organizing events to help us remember the richness of the achievements of people of African descent in Manitoba and around the world.”
The Black History Month planning team, in collaboration with the Jamaican Association of Manitoba, the Council of Caribbean Organizations of Manitoba, the Congress of Black Women and the
Afro-Caribbean Association of Manitoba, has planned various events for this year’s celebration.  This year’s theme is Moving Together With Peace and Love.
Educators, students, parents and the general public are encouraged to attend and take part in the events celebrating Black History Month including:

• a black history lesson, 11 a.m., Feb. 11, Jamaican Cultural Centre, 1098 Winnipeg Ave.;
• a black historical re-enactment (underground railroad safe house), 7 p.m., Feb. 17, 1100 Fife St. (tickets $5);
• a job fair, hosted by Afro-Caribbean Association of Manitoba, 10 a.m., Feb. 18, in the gym,  Elmwood High School, 505 Chalmers Ave.;
• a cultural awareness workshop, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Feb. 21, Viscount Gort Hotel, 1670 Portage Ave., ($60 for adults, $30 for youth under 25 and seniors 55 and over); and
• a community awards banquet, 6:30 p.m., Feb. 25, Jamaican Cultural Centre, 1098 Winnipeg Ave.

According to the latest Census figures, more than 15,600 people in Manitoba self-identified as being black and over 7,600 people of African descent live in Manitoba.
“Multiculturalism is part of our past, present and future and, with the help of all Manitobans, it will remain a great point of pride for our province,” said Melnick.
More information on Black History Month is available at:
www.immigratemanitoba.com/department/events/

Black History Month Events

For information: phone Jamaican Association of Manitoba, 204-786-5496 or 204-257-9665
Sun., Feb. 5, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Opening Ceremony
Jamaican Cultural Centre, 1098 Winnipeg Ave.
Sat. Feb. 11, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Black History Lesson
Jamaican Cultural Centre, 1098 Winnipeg Ave.
Sat., Feb. 11, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Valentine’s Social
Jamaican Cultural Centre, 1098 Winnipeg Ave.
Sunday Feb. 12, 1 to 4 p.m.
Valentine’s Tea
Council of Caribbean of Caribbean Organizations of Manitoba, 1100 Fife Ave.
Tickets: $8
Fri., Feb. 17, 7 p.m.
Black Historical Re-enactment
Council of Caribbean of Caribbean Organizations of Manitoba, 1100 Fife Ave.
Tickets: $5
Sat. Feb. 18, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Job Fair hosted By Afro-Caribbean Association
Elmwood High School, 505 Chalmers Ave.
Sat. Feb. 18, 12:30 p.m.
Domino Tournament
Jamaican Cultural Centre, 1098 Winnipeg Ave.
Sun., Feb. 19
Movie: Billy
Times: 2:30 , 4:30 and 7 p.m.
Park Theatre, 698 Osborne St.
For tickets ($10) phone 204-918-9300
Tue., Feb. 21, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cultural Awareness Workshop
Viscount Gort Hotel, 1670 Portage Ave.
Fee: $60; 25 and under, 55 plus $30, includes lunch and refreshments (Some complimentary registration available based on need)
For information phone Congress of Black Women, 204-775-4378
Sat. Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m.
Community Awards Banquet
Jamaican Cultural Centre, 1098 Winnipeg Ave.
Tickets $30