Two powerful women from the Guelph Black Heritage Society, namely Denise and Kween, are here with us today to bring awareness to their cause. The GBHS is based at a historical stone church, built in 1880 by formerly enslaved black individuals, who fled to Canada via the famed Underground Railroad. Today, under the stewardship of GBHS, this building has been renamed Heritage Hall and acts as a cultural centre for the black community in Guelph. 

Denise currently serves as the volunteer President/Treasurer of the GBHS. A proud Jamaican-Canadian with a passion for history and education, Denise is looking forward to the end of the pandemic so she can continue her travels to learn more about black history in Canada and abroad. Kween is the leader of the Guelph BLM Protest and the Executive Director and Social Justice Initiatives Coordinator for the GBHS and is honoured to be a role model for her city.

 

Mentioned in This Episode

• Guelph Black Heritage Society
• Change Starts Now: a series of 11 events running from April 29 – May 2, focused on the education and celebration of black culture 
• John Ware Reclaimed – a film by Cheryl Foggo surrounding the legacy of an iconic black cowboy 

 

What you will learn:

• The purpose of the Guelph Black Heritage Society (2:20)

• • Promoting black culture and heritage in Guelph
  • Supporting and reaching out to like-minded people

• Tips on engaging with influencers (5:11)

• • Genuine passion – connecting with people through stories

• GBHS education initiative – Change Starts Now (7:16)

• Approaching sponsorships and strategic partnering (10:49)

• • Finding others who share your goals, commitments, and values

• Overcoming challenges (18:13)

• • Planning and goal-setting
  • Dealing with back-lash

• Goals for the GBHS (23:22)

 

GBHS Mentality – Quotes From the Show

“It’s our duty as educators, as leaders, to continue (to set) an example”

“I needed someone who was a voice for me when I couldn’t necessarily be a voice for myself”

“You have to believe in what you are doing”

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer” (Harriet Tubman)