About the Black History Speaker Series
Discover three different perspectives on Black history and culture in Canada with this three-part online speaker series organized by Niagara Parks.This year’s Black History Speaker Series is delivered as a live-streamed, digital event. Tickets grant access using any computer, tablet or mobile device for these live, interactive sessions with leading community historians and commentators specializing in Black history and culture.Tickets are $15 per event. All sessions begin at 7:00 PM.
January 27 - Rosemary Sadlier - Blacks in the Military
Gain a new perspective on the Black Canadian experience in a historical context, specifically the Black military experience. This seminar will focus on the Niagara region’s early military activity, the involvement of Black Canadians in the defence of Canada and the impact of their selfless deeds.
About the speaker: Order of Ontario recipient Rosemary Sadlier is a renowned social justice advocate, accomplished author and international speaker specializing in Black history, anti-racism and women’s issues. For 22 years she served as volunteer president of the Ontario Black History Society and was the driving force behind the successful effort to lobby Canada's provincial and federal governments to officially declare February as Black History Month. An educator, Rosemary was fundamental in developing and contributing to African Canadian curriculum and was an appointed member of the College of Early Childhood Educators. She has written seven books about African Canadian history.
February 24 - Saladin Allah - The Power of Cultural Competence
What does it mean to be culturally competent and why is it important? How does cultural competence influence the way we perceive the world and interact with others? What does it look like in practice and how can we traverse cultural borders in today’s society? Explore these questions alongside Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Achievement Award recipient Saladin Allah in this inspiring seminar.
About the speaker: Saladin Allah is a writer, radio personality, youth advocate and 2019 recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Civil Rights Achievement Award. Saladin currently serves as visitor experience specialist at the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center and is a commissioner for the Human Rights Commission in Niagara Falls, New York. An educator and author, his commentary has been featured in various international publications as well as the six-part docuseries "Enslaved," executive produced by Samuel L. Jackson. Saladin is the third-great grandson of famed Underground Railroad freedom seeker Josiah Henson.
March 31 - Rochelle Bush - Fugitive Freedom Seekers Escape to Niagara
Discover the harrowing stories of peril and triumph of some of the most well-known African Americans who escaped slavery and settled in Niagara. In this captivating seminar, learn about the crucial role of the region’s location and how Niagara became refuge for fugitive freedom seekers.
About the speaker: Public historian Rochelle Bush was born and raised in St. Catharines. She is the owner and primary guide of Tubman Tours Canada, and the resident historian of the Salem Chapel, BME NHS Church, Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad NHS.