Capacity crowd as Black history symposium returns in-person

In the over three years since the Chatham-Kent Black History Symposium last took place in-person, much has happened with respect to race relations and awareness in North America.

This has only highlighted the importance of education and sharing stories, say speakers at the sold-out event, which was held at the WISH Centre.

The symposium featured authors and academics, as well as individuals speaking about their families’ experiences in Canada and the US

Samantha Meredith, executive director of the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society, and Black Mecca Museum curator, was pleased with the response.

“I’m so happy we’re finally back in-person,” she said, noting that the virtual experience wasn’t the same. “It feels amazing to be sold out this year. That gives us great hope for next year.”

A capacity crowd of 75 people attended the event, which was quickly filled up. Meredith said they will consider renting a larger space next time to accommodate more participants.

She said the Black Lives Matter movement and among numerous large-scale events show the enthusiasm is still there, especially the youth.

“During the pandemic, the Black Lives Matter, the marches … it kind of got even more interest into the history of our area, and across North America,” she said.

“I think we have a great desire in the younger generation. Most of the universities in the province have added Black history departments. … People want to go and learn about this, and add that to part of their degrees now too.”

Among Saturday’s speakers included Chatham author Ian Kennedy, who read from his book On Account of Darkness.

Carol Thompson, Marjorie Bolgos and Gerry Binga shared family history from the area. Deirdre McCorkindale, University of Guelph professor, discussed how universities are using local Black history.

Sawyer Thompson-Brown talked about the Rural Archives of Ontario, while Jack Stewart and Ken Mills presented their projects involving partnerships with Huron University’s history department.

Noting there is much divisiveness in the world, Binga, of Ingersoll, called it crucial that people continue to have conversations on the issues.

With the US still having a significant influence on Canadian culture, he said the alt-right and alt-left have been dominating the discourse, which leads to apathy in some.

“You’re throwing so much in so many people’s faces, that I think they tune out and say, ‘To each their own,’” he said, speaking to Postmedia before the event. “I think that’s a very frightening place for us to be.”

McCorkindale, who said she’s taken part in at least four Chatham-Kent symposiums, said there is “a lot more attention” on Black history post-secondary programs.

“(It) has needed to happen for a long time and it’s finally kind of happening,” she said. “I feel like I’ve been screaming into a void for a very long time. And I feel like people are finally starting to listen.

“Education is obviously not going to fix every problem, but it’s a big part of (addressing) the root of the problem.”

Bolgos, who lives the Ann Arbor area of ​​Michigan but has ties to Shrewsbury, said she was excited to give her presentation, noting she was supposed to speak during the COVID-shuttered year.

“It’s good to be back, seeing people face to face,” she said. “To be able to feel more emotion when you speak with people.”

She expects the youth will play a big role in the coming years, saying they’re growing up in a completely different world than their parents.

“The young people, they’re going to lead the future,” Bolgos said. “It’s sometimes hard to change, and I think the older you are, the more difficult it is to see and be a part of change.”

In addition to the symposium’s success, Meredith said she’s happy with the museum doors being open for business after the pandemic.

“We’ve had school groups start coming back, bus tours again,” she said. “All of our American visitors have been coming back again. Which is fantastic, because we’ve missed them over the past few years. … It’s really picked up again and we’re so excited.”