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  • February 2026: Black History Month in Chatham-Kent


    February is Black History Month!

    Each February, we are proud to honour Black History Month, an opportunity to recognize the histories and achievements of Black Canadians and communities.

    Chatham-Kent is home to some of the most successful Black settlements in Canadian history, shaping the Chatham-Kent, and Canada, we know today. In Chatham-Kent, three historic sites are dedicated to sharing these local histories, Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, The Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum, and The Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History.


    Why do we honour Black History Month?

    Although Black communities have been an important part of Canada’s heritage, the stories, achievements, and contributions of African-Canadian and Black individuals and communities is often left out of mainstream recounting of Canadian history. This shared history is important all year, but having a designated Black History Month ensures these stories are told. The month is an opportunity to highlight the accomplishments of Black community members and the continued struggles for liberation, equity, and justice. It isn't about special treatment or division; it's about filling gaps so we can have a complete and honest picture of our shared history and can build a future where everyone sees themselves reflected and valued.


    How was Black History Month established?

    In Canada, Black History Month was first proclaimed in 1978 by the City of Toronto as a result of advocacy by the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS), including Dr. Daniel G. Hill and Wilson O. Brooks.

    In 1993, the OBHS successfully filed a petition in Ontario to proclaim February as Black History Month. Following that success, Rosemary Sadlier, president of the OBHS, introduced the idea of having Black History Month recognized across Canada to the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament.

    In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada following a motion introduced by Dr. Augustine. The House of Commons carried the motion unanimously.

    In February 2008, Senator Donald Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Senate, introduced the Motion to Recognize Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month. It received unanimous approval and was adopted on March 4, 2008. The adoption of this motion completed Canada’s parliamentary position on Black History Month.


    Celebrate Black History Month with the Municipality of Chatham-Kent!

    Discover local history, inspiring stories, and vibrant community events throughout February on the Visit CK website. Learn about municipal programs below.


    🚩 January 30, 12:00 PM – Black History Month Flag Raising

    Location: Chatham Civic Centre, 315 King St W, Chatham
    Join us as we raise the flag to officially begin Black History Month. Hosted by The Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, The Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum, The Josiah Henson Museum of African Canadian History, and the Municipality of Chatham-Kent. Everyone is welcome!
    ➡️ Come celebrate with us at noon and show your support!


    🎥 February 4, 7:00 PM – Movie Night: Harriet

    Location: Chatham Capitol Theatre
    Experience the incredible story of Harriet Tubman—her escape from slavery and heroic missions to free others via the Underground Railroad.
    Tickets: $7 at the door
    ➡️ https://www.chathamcapitoltheatre.com for more information

    📚 February 7, 10:30 AM – Celebrate Black History Month

    Location: Chatham-Kent Public Library, Chatham Branch
    Enjoy a free story and hands-on music experience for all ages. Presented in partnership with Buxton National Historic Site & Museum.
    ➡️ Bring the family to drop-in and join us for this interactive celebration!

    🎥 February 11, 7:00 PM – Movie Night: 42: The Jackie Robinson Story

    Location: Chatham Capitol Theatre
    Witness the powerful true story of Jackie Robinson breaking baseball’s color barrier.
    Tickets: $7 at the door
    ➡️ https://www.chathamcapitoltheatre.com for more information

    🎨 February 14 & 21 – Kids Club Featuring Artis Shreve Lane

    • February 14, 9:00–10:00 AM: Imagination Station, Chatham (Register online)
    • February 21, 11:00–12:00 PM: Wallaceburg Library Branch (Register with library)
    Children ages 6–12 will learn about local artist Artis Shreve Lane and create clay sculptures. Free Program – Registration Required.
    ➡️ Sign up now—spaces are limited!


    🧵 February 16 - Family Day: Sound Suits!

    Location: ArtSpark, Gallery Mezzanine, Thames Art Gallery
    Learn about artist Nick Cave and his extraordinary Sound Suits—vibrant works that blend fashion, performance, and sculpture. Families are invited to create their own Sound Suit designs using markers and craft materials from the art cart.
    ➡️ A fun, creative drop-in activity for all ages!

    🎉 February 18, 6:00 PM - 12AM – Virtual Trivia Night

    Test your Chatham-Kent Black History knowledge through virtual trivial. Partnership between CK Public Library and CK Museums.
    ➡️Join in on CKPL's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CKPLibrary

    🎥 February 18, 7:00 PM – Movie Night: The Princess and The Frog

    Location: Chatham Capitol Theatre
    A reimagining of the classic fairy tale.
    Tickets: $7 at the door
    ➡️ https://www.chathamcapitoltheatre.com for more information

    🎥 February 24, 7:00 PM – Movie Night: Selma

    Location: Chatham Capitol Theatre
    Chronicles the historic 1965 voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery, led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr
    Tickets: $7 at the door
    ➡️ https://www.chathamcapitoltheatre.com for more information

    📖 All Month – Explore & Celebrate

    • Travelling Exhibit: Let Us March on Til Victory is Won – Book or view online through CK Museums.
    • Read Black Voices: Visit CKPL branches or online to discover books by Black authors and illustrators. Or check out their children's reading list.
    • Local History Displays: Dresden Municipal Centre & Chatham Civic Centre, in partnership with Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History, and Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum
    ➡️ Visit exhibits, borrow a book, and share the stories that shaped our community!


  • Shape CK's Cultural Future

    Text says Help shape C.K.'s Cultural Plan, share your feedback today! A link to the Let's Talk page and the logos of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and the Arts & Culture department appear. In the background is a picture of a building at Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History.
    Help Shape CK’s Cultural Future!

    Fill out a survey, add a cultural or creative space to the map, or host your own conversation!


    From festivals and historic sites to traditions and creative spaces, culture is everywhere in Chatham-Kent and that’s why we need YOUR input on the Cultural Plan Update!

    The update will help reflect our evolving communities across CK and ensure culture thrives for years to come. It will help identify cultural assets, traditions, and opportunities locally. The Let’s Talk survey asks; What does culture mean to you? Where do you experience it? Share your thoughts and help shape the future of CK’s cultural landscape!


    Have your say and learn more about Chatham-Kent's Cultural Plan on Let's Talk or watch this Facebook video to learn more.

  • Winter Storytelling

    an ad for Winter Storytelling programming overlaid on an image of a fire. Text reads: Winter Storytelling Book a visit in January and February to learn about Indigenous storytelling, and hear stories that can only be shared this time of year.

    The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority offers education programs at C.M. Wilson Learning Centre in Blenheim. Bring your class or group out for programs, like Winter Storytelling!

    Book a visit in January or February to learn about Indigenous storytelling and hear stories that can only be shared at this time of the year.

    Visit their website for more details.

  • Workshops & Resources for Equity-Deserving Communities Considering Running for Municipal Council

    The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is offering a series of FREE workshops for people in equity-deserving communities* and youth who are thinking about running for municipal Council in 2026.

    *Equity-deserving communities are communities that often face barriers to participation and, as a result, are often under-represented in municipal government. Examples include but are not limited to people in the following communities: Indigenous, Black, Racialized; Women; 2SLGBTQIA+; People with Disabilities, Newcomers to Canada; Youth.

    This 90-minute workshop provides useful insights and strategies to support you in getting your name on the ballot. Facilitated by former municipal Councillors Steve Anderson and Jasvinder Sandhu, you will be taken through:

    • What to expect running as a candidate from an equity-deserving community (what they call diverse candidates)
    • Critical strategies for successfully campaigning for municipal office
    • Understand what it takes to become a candidate
    • Identifying your target audience,
    • Developing effective messaging and branding,
    • Utilizing community engagement practices to enhance visibility and support.
    • And more!

    Dates:

    • December 3, 2025 - 10:00am - 11:30am
    • February 4, 2026 - 10:30am - 12:00pm
    • April 8, 2026 - 10:00am - 11:30am

    Learn more and register on the Association of Municipalities of Ontario website.


    Sessions have been added specifically for youth: An Information Session for Youth Considering Running for Municipal Office | AMO


    Additional Resources

    Find information about the 2026 Chatham-Kent municipal election on the Municipality of Chatham-Kent website.

    Learn about other ways to get involved in municipal government on the Municipality of Chatham-Kent website

    Learn about the general process of running for local Council from Association of Municipalities.

    Find additional resources and organizations that support equity-deserving communities to run for municipal office on the Association of Municipalities of Ontario website.


  • New! CK Alert


    The Municipality of Chatham-Kent has launched CKAlert, a new emergency notification service.

    Signing up for this service will allow residents to receive important public safety messages in the event of a major emergency in the community, such as flooding, boil water advisories, major road closures, and more.

    Learn more about the service and sign up on the Municipality of Chatham-Kent's website.

  • Website: Free Food Resources in CK

    Flyer promoting the website with free food resources in Chatham-Kent. All text is included below.


    The Municipality of Chatham-Kent's Employment and Social Services program has created a website with information for people who may need food assistance, including resources like:

    • food banks
    • little free pantries
    • soup kitchens
    • food voucher programs
    • drop-in/outreach services.

    Visit www.chatham-kent.ca/EmergencyFood or scan the QR code above to go to the website.

    These services are here to support individuals and families in our community. Whether you're in immediate need or looking for ongoing assistance, there are options available to help you.