Yesterday was the last of February and the final day of Black History Month. I attended an event at Belleville Public Library along with 65 to 75 others titled Black Roots in Belleville and the Quinte Region with Dr. Nikki Clarke as the presenter.
Even though the "Quinte Region" aspect was a bit thin the event as a whole was certainly worthwhile and Dr. Clarke was engaging. I discovered that in February of 1926 Carter G. Woodson initiated the first celebration of Negro History Week which led to Black History Month. He chose February to honour the birth month of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. I also found out that 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of Black History Month in Canada.
I am aware that in the early 19th century there were enslavers in Belleville, including a couple of families associated with Bridge St. Methodist Church, eventually Bridge St. UC, the congregation I served as lead minister. No one suggested we include that aspect of our history in our 200th anniversary info.
I was intrigued to hear that Belleville was also a stop on the Underground Railroad, the conduit for enslaved people escaping the United States on their way to Canada. I would have enjoyed learning more about that aspect of Belleville's history along with the places of worship for those who chose to live in the town of that era.
I sat next to a charming young man named Kharington Petgrave who is a teacher and Social Justice Educator in Peterborough. I enjoyed our conversation about his work before and after the presentation.
The event as a whole was uplifting and even playful at times. There were also reminders during the hour that anti-Black racism exists in Canada and that while progress has been made we have a long way to go. Kudos to BPL for holding this event.
Kharington Petgrave
