February is Black History Month, and local organizations are stepping up with a long menu of events to recognize, celebrate, and support the black community in Thunder Bay. The events range from educational to entertaining, and include options for all ages.
The month culminates with the 10th annual Black History Month Dinner & Gala on Feb. 29, organized by the Caribbean and African Multicultural Association of Thunder Bay (CAMAT). The signature event packs the Italian Cultural Centre for a night of traditional music, dancing, and food.
CAMAT board member Michelle McKenzie-Lander has lived in Thunder Bay for nearly three decades. She says this month’s celebrations are one way groups like hers help preserve and pass on cultural history.
“We’ve seen generations change, where we started with university students who stayed [in Thunder Bay] – now we have those students raising their families here,” she says. “We try our best to keep the traditions of our cultures, from the different countries we come from, alive.”
McKenzie-Lander was at the North End Community Centre on Saturday with a multi-generational crowd, to kick off the month’s events with a movie night. Other events include more movie nights, a networking event, teen paint night, and kid-friendly story and craft activities. A full schedule is available at CAMAT’s website, where tickets for the gala can also be purchased.
