How Barrie is observing Black History Month

Barrie celebrated Black History Month with a flag raising Feb. 1, 2023 (CTV NEWS/BARRIE)

With February marking Black History Month, the City of Barrie is promoting several events, exhibits and programs throughout the month to recognize the contributions of Black Canadians to the community.

In a media release before the weekend, the city promoted the following Black History Month events.

- The ‘Outline of Black Freedom’ exhibition of art by Black artists on display in the first floor gallery of Barrie City Hall throughout February.

- A flag raising of the Pan-American flag at City Hall on February 3 at 2:30 p.m., which will include the Proclamation of Black History Month in Barrie.

- A Black History Month virtual lecture with Laura LaChappelle on February 6 at noon.

- A celebration of Black youth art at MacLaren Art Centre on February 7 at 6:30 p.m.

- A book-reading event led by local author Tricia Khan at Barrie Public Library (Painswick location) on February 8 at 10:45 a.m.

- A tribute to Maria Makebba show at Five Points Theatre on February 15 at 7:30 p.m.

- A virtual lecture with Peter Meyler on February 20 at noon.

The city also noted that the MacLaren Art Centre will host a variety of additional Black History Month programming. The Barrie Public Library and UPlift Black hosts Black History 365, which provides resources that teach about Black history all year long.