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Pilgrim Baptist Church is considered the oldest Black church in Winnipeg. As February is Black History Month, it's one members favourite months of the year.
"It's so important that we remember the struggles and achievements the Black community has made," Valerie Williams, project manager at Pilgrim Baptist Church said. "God has brought us a mighty long way and we need to celebrate that. It gives us an opportunity to think about the roles Black people have played in shaping our society and shaping Canada, including advancements in science, politics and human rights."
Despite advancements, Williams says the work isn't done. "We also need to reflect on the injustices and the systemic racism that Black people have faced and continue to face. We want to be part of the solutions to removing those systemic barriers. We want to ensure that everyone knows about our history, which is often very marginalized, acknowledged, and integrated into the broader narrative of Canadian history," she said.
A great way to be part of solutions, Williams says is, to "Attend Black History Month event. I was at the opening of Black History Month. It was held at New Anointing Christian Fellowship."
There are several events for Black History Month happening and Williams says, "There are so many so get involved, build relationships with Black people. Get to build relationships with people different from yourself. Every time I do that, I'm always amazed at how much it enhances my life professionally and personally."
Pilgrim Baptist is going to be hosting Juneteenth as well as a celebration for church members. "The Emancipation of Proclamation was signed. However, it was two years later in 1965, when the news reached African Americans in Texas, so that is June 10 and that is when we we celebrate with prayer, feasting, song and dance. We will also be hosting an internal Black History Month celebration for church members."
Those looking for a home church are welcome to check out Pilgrim Baptist Church at 41 Maple Street every Sunday at 11 a.m.