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Nominations for Accessibility Awards Open Until April 30 2025

Chatham-Kent Accessibility Advisory Commitee Awards Call for Nominations 2025
The Accessibility Advisory Commitee (AAC), the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, and Chatham-Kent Council are calling for nominations for this year's annual Accessibility Advisory Committee Awards.
Members of the community are invited to nominate a business or individual they feel should be recognized in one of three categories outlined below.
To fill out a nomination form, complete the form on Let's Talk Chatham-Kent. When completed, hit 'SUBMIT'. Forms can also be submitted to any member of the AAC, by emailing CKinfo@chatham-kent.ca or ck311@chatham-kent.ca, or by dropping them at the Customer Service Desk and 315 King Street West, Chatham.
Deadline for submission is Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
Awards will be presented at the June 9, 2025 Council meeting.

Categories:
Dr. Veronica Vaughn Accessible Business Award
Presented to a business that stands out as providing an accessible facility and/or accessible customer service.
Sheila Lindsey Powers Accessibility Advocate Award
Presented to an individual in this community who stands out as an advocate for the inclusion of people of all abilities.
Sid Ebare Perseverance Award
Presented to an individual who stands out as a person who perseveres beyond their limitations to participate in community life.
March 27 2025: Anti-Islamophobia 101 Virtual Workshop

Free Anti-Islamophobia 101 Virtual Workshop
Thursday, March 27, 12:00-1:30PM
Space is limited. Learn more and register on EventBrite.
Join CK Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) and LivingCK for the Anti-Islamophobia 101 Virtual Workshop, delivered by the Canadian Council of Muslim Women (CCMW) through their Digital Anti-Racism Education (DARE) Project.
This workshop seeks to address the realities of Islamophobia and the way in which it operates within Canadian society. It will help participants critically examine the impacts of Islamophobia on the lives of Muslims living in Canada and how it further marginalizes Black and Indigenous Muslims, queer Muslims, and Muslims with disabilities. Participants will learn how to be active allies to counter Islamophobia.

Please Note: Discussions about harassment and/or discrimination can bring up strong feelings. We encourage participants to actively contribute to a brave space by being respectful, attentive, and open minded during these discussions. And, to actively engage in self-care or to seek support as needed during and after the workshop. If you require support, the Chatham-Kent Victim’s Services, Ontario Human Rights Commission, Canadian Mental Health Association Lambton-Kent can be of assistance.
Learn about Ramadan

Ramadan is here!
Observed during the 9^th month of the Islamic lunar calendar and dependent on sightings of the Moon, Ramadan is expected to be honoured this year from February 28^th – March 29^th.
During Ramadan, Muslims heighten their spiritual commitment and practice self-discipline. It is considered a time for physical and spiritual cleansing. Although there is diversity in the way people honour the month, during Ramadan, people may fast during daylight hours, commit to acts of charity and engage in increased periods of reflection and prayer.
For Muslims, Ramadan also commemorates the revelation of the Qur’an, Islam’s holy book to the Prophet Muhammed (P.B.U.H), God's Messenger.
The end of Ramadan is celebrated with Eid al-Fitr, a festival of gratitude, forgiveness and connection with family. This significant holiday is celebrated over several days with prayer, charity, social gatherings and gift exchanges.
Ramadan Mubarak to everyone honouring this blessed month!

Learn More:
Learn about how to be supportive of people honouring Ramadan in the workplace through our tip sheet and video created in partnership with the Chatham Islamic Centre.
Honouring Ramadan? Find 7 tips to take care of yourself this month on our website!
Find information about local ethno-cultural community groups and places of worship on the Living CK website.
New website: Free Food Resources in CK
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent's Employment and Social Services program has created a website with information for people who may need food assistance, including resources like:
- food banks
- little free pantries
- soup kitchens
- food voucher programs
- drop-in/outreach services.
Visit www.chatham-kent.ca/EmergencyFood or scan the QR code above to go to the website.
These services are here to support individuals and families in our community. Whether you're in immediate need or looking for ongoing assistance, there are options available to help you.
Event: CK Newcomer Network Monthly Events

What's Brewing Chatham-Kent? Newcomer Network
New to Chatham-Kent? Look no further! There are numerous organizations and individuals ready to help newcomers adjust to the community. Whether you are a newcomer to Chatham-Kent, Ontario, or Canada, we are here to welcome you!
Come join us at our monthly events to connect, make new acquaintances, and discover all that Chatham-Kent has in store for you!
One free non-alcoholic beverage included. Sponsored by United Way. Opportunities to win fun prizes!
At Turns & Tales, 213 King Street, Chatham.
Wednesday, May 22nd from 6:00PM - 8:00PM. Sponsored by United Way of Chatham-Kent, Ska:Na Family Learning Centre, Thamesview Family Health Team, Living CK, and CK Public Health.
Contact info@uwock.ca for more information.
New Resource: The Cost of Eating in CK 2023 Infographic

March is Nutrition Month and we can't talk about that without also talking about Food Insecurity.
1 in 5 households in Chatham-Kent do not have enough money to buy food. That's 20% of the community who must decide between paying their bills or buying food.
The 2023 Cost of Eating Infographic shows the monthly cost of eating in CK and the numbers show that current social assistance programs are not enough.
View the entire infographic at: www.ckpublichealth.com/foodinsecurity
Test Your Local Black History Knowledge and Enter to Win

How well do you know local history?
Test your knowledge about Black History in Chatham-Kent and enter to win tickets to a screening of The Color Purple on February 28th!

Take the quiz here: https://take.quiz-maker.com/QEKTHXGBV

Thanks to our friends at Buxton Museum, Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum, Ontario Heritage Trust (Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History), Buxton's Next Generation, Chatham Capitol Theatre for this partnership!
Black History Month 2024 in Chatham-Kent

February is Black History Month, a month dedicated to honouring and celebrating the accomplishments of Canadians of African descent.
This month and all year long, we encourage you to learn about Black communities and community members who have helped shape what Chatham-Kent is today.
See below for some of the events taking place across Chatham-Kent throughout the month. Feel free to share with colleagues and community.
We would like to thank the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and Black Mecca Museum, Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History, and our colleagues across the Municipality of Chatham-Kent for their partnerships and continued work to preserve and share our local and national history.

Why do we Honour Black History Month?
Black History has largely been excluded from mainstream recounting of Canadian history. That means the contributions of Black community members have often been excluded, even though they are important parts of our shared history. For example, many people don't know that soldiers of African descent made sacrifices in wartimes and actually had to advocate to be able to fight for their Country. Or, that African people were enslaved in Canada, in addition to the United States of America. Because of this exclusion of Black stories and contributions, having a dedicated month helps ensure that these stories are told. And, it helps to highlight the continued struggles for liberation, equity, and justice.

How was Black History Month Established?
In Canada, Black History Month was first proclaimed in 1978 by the City of Toronto as a result of advocacy by the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS), including Dr. Daniel G. Hill and Wilson O. Brooks.
In 1993, the OBHS successfully filed a petition in Ontario to proclaim February as Black History Month. Following that success, Rosemary Sadlier, president of the OBHS, introduced the idea of having Black History Month recognized across Canada to the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament.
In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada following a motion introduced by Dr. Augustine. The House of Commons carried the motion unanimously.
In February 2008, Senator Donald Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Senate, introduced the Motion to Recognize Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month. It received unanimous approval and was adopted on March 4, 2008. The adoption of this motion completed Canada’s parliamentary position on Black History Month.

What is Happening to Honour Black History Month in Chatham-Kent?
Thursday, February 1, 12:00PM
Black History Month Flag Raising, 315 King St W, Chatham (Civic Centre)
Bundle up and show your support for the kick-off of Black History Month in Chatham-Kent!
Join the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum, and the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History to honour the start of Black History Month and learn about what is happening in Chatham-Kent throughout the month.

Thursday, February 8, 10:00AM – 11:00AM
Buxton Museum Storytime, Chatham-Kent Public Library, Chatham Branch
Join us for a special story time celebrating Black History Month with special guests from the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum. Best suited for children 5 and younger. Drop-in.

Saturday, February 10, 6:00PM – 1:00AM (cost to attend)
Chatham-Kent Black Excellence Awards, Retro Suites Hotel
This inaugural event to recognize the outstanding accomplishment of local Black community members and celebrate Black cultures, and community advocates. Attendees from all cultures are welcome.
Learn more and purchase tickets through EventBrite.

Thursday, February 22, 6:30PM – 7:15PM
Twilight Tails, Chatham-Kent Public Library, Dresden Branch
February is Black History Month, and we have all kinds of treasures to help celebrate. Play the jumbo Match-Up of famous athletes, entertainers, and inventors. Registration is not necessary.

Tuesday, February 27, 6:00PM
Trivia Night, Red Barn Brewing Co.
Join Red Barn Brewing and Buxton's Next Generation (BNG) for a fun night of trivia, including Black History Month questions. A portion of proceeds go to BNG.
Buy tickets from Red Barn Brewing company.

Wednesday, February 28, 2:00PM and 7:00PM
Screening of The Color Purple, Chatham Capitol Theatre
A story of love and resilience bast on the novel and Broadway musical. Rated PG-13. Admission $7 at the door. No registration required.

All Month-Long
Black History Month Quiz
Test your knowledge about Black History in Chatham-Kent and enter to win tickets to a screening of The Color Purple on February 28th!

Take the quiz here: https://take.quiz-maker.com/QEKTHXGBV

Thanks to our friends at Buxton National History Site & Museum, Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum, Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History, Buxton's Next Generation, Chatham Capitol Theatre, and Living CK for this partnership!

Buxton National Historic Site & Museum
Visit Ontario’s second largest national historic site, a tribute to the Elgin settlement virtually or in-person.

Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and Black Mecca Museum
Learn about the Black community that settles along McGregor’s Creek in Chatham at the end of the 18^th century to present day. Self-guided tours available.

Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History
Site of the Dawn Settlement, built by Rev. Josiah Henson in 1841. In-person tours available for groups of 15 or more. Virtual tours also available.

Chatham-Kent Municipal Museums
Let Us March on till Victory is Won: The Struggle for Racial Equity in CK and Ontario
The exhibit traces the National Unity Association’s crusade for justice and determination to end practices of segregation in Chatham-Kent and Ontario. Visit the virtual exhibit or book the travelling exhibit to see it in-person.

Chatham-Kent Public Library
Read Black Voices, All Branches
Celebrate the diversity of Black experiences by reading books by Black authors and illustrators. Participants will earn a ballot when they borrow a book with the Black Voices bookmarks for a chance to win a prize pack.

Black History Month Quizzes, Tilbury Branch
Drop-in to the Tilbury Branch each week in February for a new quiz about notable Black figures and historic events.

Living CK
Stay tuned to the Living CK Facebook or Instagram channels for information about Black History Month in Chatham-Kent.

Thames Art Gallery
Visit their Facebook and Instagram pages to learn about Black artists with local ties throughout the month.
Feb 1: Black History Month Flag Raising

Thursday, February 1st, 12:00 - 12:30, 315 King Street West, Chatham (Chatham Civic Centre)
Join the Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History, the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, and the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum to honour the start of Black History Month and learn about what is happening in Chatham-Kent throughout the month.
Stay tuned to the DEIJ website for details about events happening throughout February to honour Black History Month.
January 9: Positively Black Resume and Interview Primer

Positively Black in Southwestern Ontario is hosting a virtual Resume and Interview Primer for High School students in Black communities on January 9th from 5-6PM.
Register using the QR code above.