The month of February marks Black History Month and for the third year in a row residents were invited to the Galt museum.
The event was filled with live music, singing, dancing, entertainment and history.
The event attracted over 600 residents this past weekend.
African Drummer Adam Mason studied music at the University of Ghana and is now a teacher of Global Drums program at U of L.
His group of students learn to play traditional music cultures found around the world.
“[Drumming] and music is at the heart of almost every African
cultures, not just the ceremonial life but actually woven through the daily fabric of life as well,” said Mason.
The African music and dance ensemble were given the opportunity to play for the crowd on Saturday.
ROY Pogorzelski, co-organizer in the event and member of the Coalition Against Racism and Discrimination (CARD), believes the event helps promote awareness surrounding ethical and cultural diversity.
CARD has partnered with African, Caribbean, and Nigerian Associations to make the celebration what it is today.
“All of these events just bring that education out. You can feel the vibrancy and celebratory spirit. Everyone is just pumped and jacked to be here,” said Pogorzelski.
Among attendance were prominent members of the community including Mayor Chris Spearman and
Joseph Aoro, President of the African
Society in Lethbridge.
Black History Month was put into the political arena in 1995.
Every year since then, it has been a celebrated in tribute to black Canadians across the country.
“The purpose is to discover the black community, who they are and their
part of the diversity we talk about in Canada. Diversity is a strength, not a weakness,” said Aoro.
He explained how Canadians are enriched by the blacks and their history and how other communities help to contribute to our culture.
Events included live traditional dancing and a fashion show, authentic food and traditional history storytelling.
Those who attended the celebrations came from all walks of life and
every ethnicity.
