BY KINIA ADAMCZYK

An African proverb says that if you don’t know where you’re going, find out where you come from. Black History Month, which takes place in February, will give citizens the opportunity to recognize significant contributions to society made by people with African heritage and to expose the harms of racial prejudice in hopes to build a more tolerant future. Here’s a sneak peak at what’s happening in the West Island to celebrate Black History Month, including lectures, photo expositions, theatre and discussions.

Trail to freedom

The Dorval Public Library has invited Ottawa Citizen reporter Chris Lackner to present a lecture entitled The Freedom Trail: Following in the Slaves’ Footsteps.

“When I discovered that Chris had trekked on foot over 500 miles through the United States following in the paths of the slaves, I felt it would be very interesting to hear a first-hand account of what such a trip entails. It would make the history of the Underground Railway and its ties to Canada come alive for the listener,” said Beverly Rankin, a cultural animator at the library.

She is hoping to attract people of all ages to this lecture, as both young and old can learn more about the role Canada played and what sort of reception the slaves received once they arrived here.

“Knowledge helps to dispel racism, and I’m sure that everyone who hears this lecture will be moved by Chris’ account,” she added.

The event will take place next Wednesday at 7:30 pm at 1401 Lakeshore Dr. Space is limited. You can reserve at 514-633-4170.

Looking to the future

The West Island Black Community Association (WIBCA) is also holding a series of activities launched by a lecture by Julian McIntosh entitled ‘Honouring our past, celebrating our future.’ McIntosh grew up within a political family in the Caribbean and has always been committed to improving the lives of African people. His lecture will focus on the founder of Black History Month, Carter G. Woodson, and his objectives.

“It’s is a time to highlight what’s important to the (Black) community, but more importantly, to share it with people who are not necessarily from the community,” said WIBCA chairman Veronica Johnson. “If we don’t remember the past, it’s certainly more difficult to move toward the future.”

WIBCA will be holding a family evening on Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at 48C, 4th Ave. South in Roxboro. Other activities include theatre, dance and photo exhibition in association with Union United Church. For more information, call WIBCA at 514-683-3925.

Meanwhile, the YMCA's drop-in centre will be holding workshops, discussions and movie screenings about Black history in Canada during the course of February. Dates to be announced. For more information, call Stevens Dessources at 514-692-9622.