The Town of Newmarket is proud to continue the partnership with the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA) for its eighth year, along with this year’s presenting sponsor Magna International to offer events and activities that honour Black History Month in February.  

This year’s theme, “The Promise We Carry,” reflects the enduring contributions of Black communities and invites the broader community to reflect, learn and participate in building a more inclusive Newmarket. It highlights the importance of honouring Black history while recognizing that the work of justice is ongoing. 

“Black history is living, evolving and rooted in our shared responsibility to one another,” says Jerisha Grant-Hall, Executive Director of NACCA. “This Black History Month, we honour our rich and vast heritage, celebrate Black excellence in the present and continue the work of building a more equitable and inclusive future for generations to come.”  

“We all share a responsibility to make Newmarket an inclusive community, which is why I encourage everyone to get involved in Black History Month to learn, engage, advocate and uplift Black voices,” says Mayor John Taylor. “This year’s theme is an important reminder that there is still work to be done to create a more equitable society now and for future generations. Thank you to NACCA for their continued partnership and leadership in strengthening the community.”  

Newmarket’s lineup of free events for Black History Month includes:

• Pan-African Flag Raising Ceremony – Monday, February 2 at 10:30 a.m. at the Municipal Offices (395 Mulock Drive)
  The Pan-African Flag will be raised at the Municipal Offices to commemorate Black History Month and to honour the heritage, diverse culture and invaluable contributions of people of African descent to our community.
  

• Black History Month Art Exhibition – February 3 to 28 at Old Town Hall (460 Botsford Street)
  Step into a visual journey of legacy, heritage and hope. This curated gallery exhibition explores this year’s theme, “The Promise We Carry” through the lens of Black artists and storytellers, connecting ancestral memory to contemporary voices. The exhibition invites reflection on how collective strength and shared purpose continue to shape our communities today. Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  

• Museum Exhibit: Heritage and Pride – February 3 to 28 at the Elman W. Campbell Museum (134 Main Street South)
  This exhibit journeys back to pre-colonial Africa where thriving civilizations, trade networks and cultural innovation flourished long before colonization. Through artifacts, stories and community contributions, the exhibit traces the continuum of Black history from the ancestral homelands of Africa to the shaping of Black communities in Canada. Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  

• Black History Month Reception, Art Exhibition and Ujamaa Marketplace – Sunday, February 8 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Old Town Hall (460 Botsford Street)
  The community is invited to attend an afternoon celebration and reflection that embodies unity, pride and purpose. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully curated program featuring live performances, distinguished speakers and moments of recognition that honour the strength of the African diaspora. The Ujamaa Marketplace celebrates cooperative economics and collective empowerment. Explore a showcase of Black-owned businesses, artisans and creators from across York Region.

• Evening Falls Illumination – Wednesday, February 11 (dusk) at Riverwalk Commons (200 Doug Duncan Drive)
  Newmarket’s Fred A. Lundy Bridge will be illuminated green, a symbolic representation of pride and collective strength.
  

• Paint & Sip: Art as Reflection with Chika Oh – Sunday, February 22 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Newmarket Public Library (438 Park Avenue)
  Unleash your creativity in this guided art session inspired by this year’s Black History Month theme. Participants will explore themes of self-determination, heritage and legacy while creating a personal work of art. Led by a professional artist, this event offers space for self-expression, conversation and connection, a joyful reminder that creativity is an act of community care.
  

This year’s event is made possible with the support of Magna International. Learn more about this year’s theme and events at Newmarket.ca/BlackHistory and NACCACommunity.ca  

Newmarket is deeply committed to building a strong, healthy and equitable community. In 2023, the Town of Newmarket established an action plan to dismantle anti-Black racism and remove barriers Black individuals face in Newmarket. Council, staff and community partners are taking action together to work through an implementation plan, of which more than 94.55 per cent of all actions are now either completed or underway. This reflects strong momentum across the organization and a clear commitment to driving progress. Read more at HeyNewmarket.ca/DABR    

About NACCA
Since 2018, the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA), a registered charity, has provided strong leadership for the diverse Black community in Newmarket and surrounding areas. NACCA is committed to the collective work of engaging the African-Canadian communities and its allies through program delivery, education, and partnerships, to cultivate an empowered and united Black community in Newmarket. The association operates with a vision to serve as a community hub that will support and strengthen the present and future outcomes of the Black community, especially Black youth. To advance generational skills-building, knowledge exchange, empowerment, and expression. To ignite change through allyship, and cross-cultural learning. Learn more at NACCACommunity.ca