Category justice Show all
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CKOHT and Partners Commitment to Action on Anti-Black Racism
Inclusion and representation are essential to building a health care system that reflects and meets the diverse needs of everyone in Chatham-Kent.
In 2021, the Chatham-Kent Ontario Health Team (CKOHT) Diversity and Equity Working Group established the Anti-Black Racism/Anti-Oppression Action Team.
For several years, the Anti-Black Racism/Anti-Oppression Action Team has heard anecdotal evidence about racism, discrimination, stereotypes, stigma and oppressive behaviours and actions occurring in health care environments in Chatham-Kent.
In 2024, the Action Team asked the community questions to understand their experiences of racism in local health care.
Find out what the Team learned and how CKOHT and Partners are committing to action on Anti-Black Racism through the video linked above and on the CKOHT website.
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Website: Free Food Resources in CK
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.
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Homelessness Response Toolkit
Reach Out Chatham-Kent (R.O.C.K) has designed a Homelessness Response Toolkit for local businesses, organizations, and area residents better understand and engage with local homelessness response efforts. The goal is to provide practical guidance, reduce stigma, and encourage compassionate and informed interactions with individuals experiencing homelessness.
The kit includes a quick reference postcard with information on who to call in specific situations, including phone numbers for outreach services, sharps clean-up, shelter, and other essential resources, ensuring that businesses and community members have immediate access to support when needed.
Digital copies can be accessed at www.reachoutck.com/resources.
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Report: Food Insecurity in Chatham-Kent
At the February 2025 Board of Health meeting, CK Public Health released a report about household food insecurity in Chatham-Kent. A few key findings included:
- 1 in 5 households in CK are food insecure
- Many people in CK don't have enough money to buy food
- The root cause of food insecurity is poverty
- Emergency food charity is not a long-term solution.
The report calls on community members and organizations to learn about food insecurity, talk to friends, family, and colleagues about the true causes of food insecurity, and advocate for income solutions.
Find the full report, the above infographic, and more information on the CK Public Health website.
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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, ChathamJoin 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 TheatreExperience 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 BranchEnjoy 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 TheatreWitness 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 TheatreA 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 TheatreChronicles the historic 1965 voting rights march from Selma to Montgomery, led by Dr. Martin Luther King JrTickets: $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! -
April is Sikh Heritage Month!
April is Sikh Heritage Month!This month, we celebrate Sikh culture and heritage and honour the important contributions of Sikh community members to our social, economic, political and cultural lives.
Sikhism is one of the world’s youngest religions but is the fifth largest religion in the world. The first wave of settlers who were Sikh arrived in Canada in the early 1900s. Today, Canada has the second largest diaspora of people who are Sikh in the World!
Sikh Heritage Month was first established in Ontario in 2013 and then in Canada in 2019. April was chosen because it is the time that Sikh people observe Vaisakhi, which commemorates the creation of the Khalsa and Sikh articles of faith. Vaisakhi (sometimes spelt Baisakhi) may also be called Khalsa Sanja Diwas.
Happy Vaisakhi to community members honouring this important time in Chatham-Kent!
Learn More:
Find information about local ethno-cultural communities on the Living CK website.
Learn about the history of Sikhs in Canada from:
Sikh Heritage Museum of Canada
Early Concepts (resources for educators)
Sikh National Archives of Canada
Learn about Sikhism and other religions in the workplace from Encounter World Religions.
Sikhism in Canada from Wikipedia
Peel Art Gallery Museum + Archives (PAMA)
Thank you to members of the Sikh Cultural Society Chatham-Kent for reviewing the contents of this post.