In partnership with the Guelph Black Heritage Society (GBHS), the 9 buildings that form the Illuminate Downtown Guelph project will be lit red, gold and green for Black Heritage Month (February 1st to March 1st).
Representing the colours of the African Nova Scotia flag, the Wellington Building, Old Quebec Street Shoppes, the Old Post Office, the Guelph Civic Museum, Hope House, Frank and Steins, Skyline, The George and Royal City Church will light up 30 minutes after sunset until 11pm each night.
The African Nova Scotia flag was introduced in February 2021 and created by artist Wendie L. Wilson. The flags colours of red, gold and green are used by people of African descent across the world. Red symbolising the sacrifice African Nova Scotian people have endured, gold represents cultural richness and green for fertility, growth and future generations.
“The Guelph Black Heritage Society is pleased to continue our collaborations with the Downtown Guelph Business Association. Guelph and Wellington County has a rich Black history, to see these buildings lit up in the colours of the African Nova Scotian flag during Black Heritage Month is truly inspiring” says Denise Francis, President of the Guelph Black Heritage Society.
Representing the diverse and intersecting communities of Guelph and Wellington County, the Guelph Black Heritage Society strives to inspire personal reflection and discovery for all. For further information on Black Heritage Month and the Guelph Black Heritage Society, please contact [email protected] or check out their website www.guelphblackheritage.ca.
Illuminate Downtown Guelph was made possible through financial support from the Government of Canada via the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). For further information on Illuminate Downtown Guelph, please contact Sam Jewell, Events Manager, Downtown Guelph Business Association, [email protected].
