STAY CONNECTED: Have the stories that matter most delivered every night to your email inbox. Subscribe to our daily local news wrap.
(Photo Credit: Grande Prairie Public Library and Grande Prairie Intercultural Association)
By Nathaniel Leigh
Black History Month

GPPL closes Black History Month with gala event Saturday

Mar 1, 2024 | 11:42 AM

The Grande Prairie Intercultural Association and the Grande Prairie Public Library are closing out Black History Month with a gala event on Saturday, March 2.

The event will feature immigration lawyer and author Cecilia N. Mzvondiwa as the guest speaker.

(Photo Credit: Cecilia N. Mzvondiwa)

Mzvondiwa says she wants to acknowledge the contributions of black people in the community.

“I came to Grande Prairie 17 years ago now”, Mzvondiwa says. “And I didn’t see as many black people then as I see now. I think that Grande Prairie is growing and becoming a more welcoming community to diverse peoples.”

She says she was impressed by the number of events and activities held throughout February to celebrate Black History Month.

“There was a launch from the first day and then there was different activities during the month, I’m really grateful to see the city embracing and participating. Those of us who are black, we are black 365 days a year. We want people to recognize that, and we don’t want people to forget us the other 11 months of the year.”

She’s calling the gala a great opportunity for the community to come together.

“I want to take note that we came together in June of 2022 when we marched against the murder of George Floyd,” she says. “This was the first time that I saw Grande Prairie standing together as a community. I would encourage people to attend [the gala] and celebrate our diversity and get to learn more about black people. Who they are and what they contribute to our community.”

The sold-out gala is happening Saturday at the Teresa Sargent Hall.

by Nathaniel Leigh