This year marks the 100th anniversary of the first Black History celebration.
Black History Month dates back to 1926 when it was established by Dr. Carter G. Woodson as "Negro History Week" in February 1926, according to many sources.
In Canada, it was officially recognized in 1995.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent (CK) said it's a time for "reflection and celebration of the many achievements of Black Canadians who have done so much to make Canada the diverse place it is today."
Chatham-Kent was once a destination for freedom and evolved into a home to some of the most successful Black settlements in Canadian History, according to municipal officials.
CK Mayor Darrin Canniff said we're entering a very important month and encourages everyone to soak up knowledge of all of the Black achievements that shaped Chatham-Kent and Canada.
"We take this time to recognize and honour the contributions of Black community members, past and present, who have strengthened and enriched Chatham-Kent. Learning Black history is vital because it's not separate from our own story, it's an essential part of our shared history," said the mayor.
Josh Shreve, the new Executive Director and Curator of the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and Black Mecca Museum, said it's important to keep the history alive and pass it on to the next generations.
"It's important to keep these stories going because we're the ones that are going to give it to the next generation and they'll give it to the people after that, and so on. So, it's important to not break that chain and to make sure the history is never forgotten, the families are not forgotten, and the stories are not forgotten," Shreve said.
Three historic sites contribute to the Chatham-Kent Underground Railroad story.
Click here for a full list of events in February across Chatham-Kent.
