Black History Month will be celebrated with a multicultural event in Red Deer on Feb. 18.
There will be dancing, drumming, storytelling sessions and an African East-Indian dinner at this fundraising gathering at Carnival Cinemas, presented by the International Women Of Purpose Cultural Association
Elders representing various African tribes will talk about various cultural practises, said the group’s president Love Nwigwe. A fashion show of cultural regalia is also planned — as well as a showing of Nwigwe’s documentary film, I Can’t Breathe, made for Telus Optik.
Her documentary was inspired by the death of George Floyd under the knee of a U.S. police officer in 2020. The film recounts experiences of discrimination some Black Red Deerians have experienced.
Nwigwe said Black History Month is important for creating awareness and inclusiveness.
Black people need to remember their history and the efforts others have made in the past to advance civil rights, she explained, adding they also need to feel more of a recognized part of the community.
Tickets are $35 for this 4 p.m. fundraiser. Nwigwe said part of the proceeds will go towards creating a cultural counselling service for Black people living in the Red Deer area who have experienced bullying or racism.
She believes it would be helpful for these people to speak to someone who has lived that experience and understands their perspective.