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Black History Month the theme of Museum panel discussion

February 27, 2020   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

A group of prominent local people shared their experiences as part of a panel discussion and exhibition at the Museum of Dufferin (MoD) last Sunday, February 23.

The event was a part of Black History Month being celebrated at the museum and in Dufferin County.

Previously there was a proclamation and flag-raising to kick off Black History Month in Dufferin.

“Today is an art and music exhibition and panel discussion on Black History Month,” explained Nanci Malek, events, promotions, and marketing coordinator at the museum. “We’re going to have an introduction and explain why they’re here. Steve Anderson, deputy mayor of Shelburne is hosting the panel and will be asking questions of the panel members. There will also be a Q & A with audience members.”

The panel included Mr. Anderson,  youth councillor Alethia O’Hara-Stephenson, social worker Geer Harvey, business owner Linda Amour Grant, restaurateur and chef Phil Dewar, and high school student leaders Ashana Smith and Soha Soliman.

The special guest speaker was Maestro Fresh Wes, well known as the Godfather of Canadian hip hop music.

Maestro is also a motivational speaker.

His message was simple: “Believe in yourself and accomplish what you want to accomplish.”

He explained how his style of music when he started out was not well known, but perseverance and hard work paid off for him.

All the panelists conveyed the same message – that they are part of the Canadian identity and have various goals.

Deputy mayor Anderson said the day, and the month was a celebration of diversity and inclusion.

“Even though today is a celebration of Black history, this is a celebration of diversity and inclusion, and we can see that by the people that are here today in this audience.”

The exhibition also featured art work by local students and artists.


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