Recognizing the growing need to more inclusively celebrate the unique Black History in the area known as the northern terminus of the Underground Railroad, a new Grey County organization has been established named the Grey County Black Heritage Society (GCBHS). The organization was recently incorporated by the Ontario Historical Society, as a result of the initiative of a small group of dedicated individuals, all well-known locally for their volunteering activities and community participation.

The creation of such a broadly focused, county-wide not-for-profit organization comes into existence just as public interest in Canada’s Black History continues to escalate. The GCBHS organizers are of one accord in their belief that launching such a group could not be more timely, citing the growing awareness of Black Lives Matter and the recent unanimous passing of M36, a motion in the House of Commons (with no dissent), to recognize August 1st as Emancipation Day in Canada.

As part of their mandate the newly formed group plans to add its voice in support of the existing spring Black History Event and the annual launching of the Northern Terminus publication, both at Grey Roots Museum. Additional recognition will also be given to the vital work underway to ensure preservation of historic Black burial sites in Owen Sound and Grey Highlands. In keeping with the decision to purposely employ a broad stroke approach in its celebration of local Black History, rather than be identified with a single event, the group anticipates future school programs honouring Black pioneers, and diverse Black cultural events including festivals, art exhibitions, and anti-racism workshops.

Media releases and the use of social media will bring the aims and objectives of GCBHS to the attention of the public. Meanwhile, enquiries may be directed by email to: [email protected]
or by mail to: Grey County Black Heritage Society, % Barry Penhale, #345554 Concession 2, RR#5, Flesherton, ON N0C 1E0

Duly elected Officers/Directors of the Grey County Black Heritage Society are as follows:
Petal Furness, Chair; Pat Lorenzo-Faulkner, Vice-Chair; Dorothy Abbott, Treasurer;
Terri Jackson, Secretary; Barry Penhale, Director; Jane Gibson, Meeting Chair;
Nathan Segal, Committee Member.