#ChangeStartsNow

GBHS Executive Director Kween was the lead organizer of a peaceful march and protest which was held on June 6, 2020 in downtown Guelph.  The peaceful march and protest raised awareness of the Black lives lost in violence and to show solidarity for the families and communities most impacted.  This historic event attracted over 8,000 people to downtown Guelph. The GBHS recognizes that although racism is frequently denied in Canada, it is evident in our institutions, structures, and lived experience.

The protest on June 6, 2020 was a starting place for the work that needs to occur to change policy and create opportunities for Black voices to be heard.  In this watershed moment that will forever change the course of Black history, the GBHS launched its educational campaign, “Change Starts Now”.

#ChangeStartsNow provides educational programming on Black history and culture as well as relevant resources on diversity, discrimination and anti-racism. At this historical crossroads, people are eager to learn, and we are up to the challenge.

The following educational projects have been identified as priorities by the GBHS:

• “GBHS Top 100 Educational Resources” – a list of GBHS-recommended resources (books, movies, videos, etc.) for those seeking factual, curated information on Black history and issues
• educational and cultural programming
• development of booklet on local Guelph/Wellington Black history
• establishment of the Library of Black Literature at Heritage Hall – dedicated to the memory of founding board member Flora Francis, this space will contain resource materials and works of Black authors and books significant to the Black community
• directory of Black owned and operated businesses – this online directory will feature information about Black owned and operated businesses in Guelph/Wellington and Waterloo Region
• establishment of Dream Makers Youth Programming

Together, we will build the resources to empower our community to connect to our Black history, present & future.

Connect. Learn. Grow. #ChangeStartsNow