Black History Month open house at Windsor Public Library

By Meng Bao

Every February, Canada celebrates Black History Month with lots of public events, including at museums and libraries.

Citizens were invited to an open house to share stories and memories on Jan. 3 at the Windsor’s downtown branch of the public library.

Author Irene Moore Davis spent around one year working on her book “The Long Road Continues,” which tells real stories about black history in Windsor-Essex area.

“This is history of the community that has been here for generations. I really want people to see themselves reflected in that book,” said Sharon Hanna, the editor of the book.

The book is for Windsor-Essex’s Black community about their own history, by encouraging their participation in the process and by creating an inclusive book. Davis and Hanna discuss the book with anyone who came. Some of the historical pictures in Davis’s research were on display. Visitors were getting a preview of what the book will show, before it’s even published.

Participants were also guided to have a look at the historical room, which includes a large number of files and materials. They could look and even touch the items collected by the library.

“It’s important for people to tell their stories, share their stories,” said Aaron Fauteux, a youth program coordinator from Film Camp for Kids and Youth, who was also on hand to talk about his program.

Fauteux said it is important to enhance future generations with such programs.