FERGUS – A special Black History Month event is coming to the Fergus Grand Theatre later this month.
Guelph-based performing artist, historian, and educational speaker Tracy Lee Johnson will present “And then what happened…” Black Canadian History- the untold stories on February 23rd.
The fifth-generation Black Canadian, Johnson, has been singing since the age of three and will be telling the story of her ancestors’ journey to Canada through the Underground Railroad, through song, story-telling, and a keynote presentation.
Johnson explained the idea came to her years ago when she realized not just this Black History, but this Canadian history wasn’t being sufficiently taught to younger generations.
Three key aspects will guide the presentation on what is an incredibly crucial topic for Johnson.
“Together we’re better,” Johnson says, as she encourages communities to work together in sharing these stories.
She added she hopes to spread an inspiring tale leaving the audience engaged.
The presentation will explore old family photos, and songs that may be well known, but not understood.
Honoring and giving her ancestors the respect she says they so rightfully deserve, Johnson says she felt it pertinent to bring this production to life, after Black Canadians seemingly “fell off the edge of the earth” as education and conversation diminished over the years.
Old family photos passed down to Johnson that will be explored in the show. (1/2) Both photos submitted, Tracy Lee Johnson.
She hopes this play will help people understand what it really looked like, and how ingenious these freedom seekers were with the help of abolitionists.
The keynote portion, Johnson says, will introduce her ancestors, discovered through an old family photo album passed down to her by her grandmother.
2/2.
Combining the work of historians, genealogists, and family research, with passion and purpose, Johnson hopes to bring people together, while educating and inspiring the audience.
Tickets are now on sale, and are available in the box office, by phone at 519-787-1981, or online at www.fergusgrandtheatre.ca.
The performance will kick off at 2 p.m.
