NEWS RELEASE

TOWN OF MINTO

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HARRISTON – Minto’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee welcome all to celebrate Black Heritage Month with guest speaker Garvia Bailey, journalist and storyteller, who will lead a multi-media presentation exploring the lives of two extraordinarily driven and courageous Black women with stories connected to Southwestern Ontario.

Bailey’s presentation, entitled “Black Women of Faith and Resilience: Finding Community in Southwestern Ontario” will take place on Feb. 28, 2025 at the Harriston Train Station, 83 Arthur Street, West, Harriston from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Bailey will share the story of Sylvia Young, a freedom seeker whose remarkable story of attempted kidnapping during the early days of emancipation brought the newly formed community of Stratford, Ontario into the national spotlight. The presentation also explores the story of Eva Bailey, Garvia Bailey’s mother, who more than 120 years later brought her family to Stratford, settling into a place of acceptance and safety first carved out by Sylvia Young. Together, their stories invite reflection on who we were, who we are today, and who we continue to strive to be.

Following the presentation, attendees are invited to stay and connect with the guest speaker while enjoying snacks provided by May’s Café at the Old Post, offering guests an opportunity to connect with each other and the presenter herself.

Tickets are $10, with all proceeds going directly back into the Town of Minto DEI Committee to support future events and initiatives that foster inclusion, education, and community togetherness.

Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite (www.town.minto.on.ca/calendar) or in-person by visiting the Town of Minto Administrative Office (5941 ON-89, Harriston, Ont.) or Launchit Minto Office (1 Elora St., Unit 4, Harriston, Ont.). Space is limited so please register by Feb. 20, 2026 at the latest.

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