Home > Festivals and Events > Black Roots of Bruce County: Past and Present

In recognition of Black History Month this February, the BCM&CC presents an afternoon of presentations and discussion on Black history and culture in Bruce County, with guest speakers William Felepchuk, members of the Grey-Bruce Afro-Caribbean Community, and Dr. Maureen Oyaide-Ofeno. Talks include: Uncovering Bruce County’s Black Roots: Early Settlements and Local History, with William Felepchuk Journey back in time with Ottawa-based historian William Felepchuck as he uncovers the untold stories of early Black settlement within Bruce County and its surrounding regions. Through meticulous research and a passion for history, William will shed light on the contributions, challenges, and triumphs of Black residents who have played a significant role in shaping the community’s heritage. Community Voices: Modern Black Experience in Bruce County, with guest speakers from the local Afro-Caribbean Community Group In this informative session we will be joined by members of the Grey-Bruce Afro-Caribbean Community to speak on the County’s growing diversity and the importance of inclusivity and understanding. The group will highlight their shared lived experiences as black individuals, and how the local Black community has changed and developed. For this section of the presentation, we will be joined by Dr. Maureen Oyaide-Ofenor and others. About Dr. Maureen Oyaide-Ofeno Dr. Maureen Oyaide-Ofenor is an optometrist, vision therapist, children’s book author, motivational speaker and mentor to pre-optometry and medical students. She is the owner and founder of Vine Eye Care, the only optometry clinic in Walkerton. Her passion for teachings on identity, nutrition, brain, eye and general health, led her to write her first book, A-Z On How I See — one of the very few books written in a poetic way to help kids learn how they see while they read through the pages. After seeing the lack of medical doctors and optometrists in the area, Maureen also now leads an initiative to mentor high school and undergraduate students from the Grey-Bruce region. Members FREE; General Admission Applies.