The Guelph Black Heritage Society is set to undergo some major changes with the help of some federal funding.
On Friday morning, MP Lloyd Longfield announced two funds totalling $76,000 for the Guelph Black Heritage Society through a $26,000 Cultural Spaces Fund and a $50,000 Supporting Black Canadians Communities Initiative Capital Fund.
Denise Francis, president of the Guelph Black Heritage Society said the new funding will allow the GBHS to work on two new initiatives — completing the renovation on the lower level of the building and improving audio and lighting in the building.
“We realize the important role we hold in the history of Guelph and Wellington,” said Francis about the Heritage Hall being the only Black facility in the county.
“Through the funding that we will be getting, we will have the technology and the physical changes to our space to enact all of these programs and we’re so grateful for the continued support that we received.”
Francis said 2021 initiatives include engaging in cultural events and programming, creating a library of Black literature and dedicating studio space. The GBHS website will also feature a Black businesses directory and the Dream Makers Youth program will provide a safe space for Guelph Black youth to meet in the GBHS and speak freely about their daily issues.
“We’re also going to provide workshops and training and mentoring programs for our young people.”
Longfield said the GBHS building has become a real focal point for the community and the GBHS’s initiative to change the name from Black History Month to Black Heritage Month in Guelph adds an extra dimension to February this month as it celebrates the community’s Black Heritage, past and present.
“I’m feeling like once we’re on the other side of this, people will actually get to see it (the building) so it's going to be one of those things that’s like a flower in spring,” said Longfield.
“It's going to be something that people will say ‘Wow, this happened during COVID.’”
