Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum
In 1994 a group of Black women founded the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society: Lucille Cooper, Grace Fowler, Alice Newby, Blanche Pryor, Ellen Robbins, Gwendolyn Robinson and Connie Travis.
This amazing group of women gathered and preserved the area’s rich Black History by creating family trees for the region, collecting artifacts from the local community, and putting together a fantastic resource to celebrate the struggles and achievements of the Black community.
In 1996 the WISH Centre was opened, and the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society found its home. Formally known as the Heritage Room, the Museum was renamed and established as “The Black Mecca Museum” to gain status as a museum and be recognized officially.
The Museum and archive continue to share the History and heritage of Chatham’s Black community through its museum exhibits, walking tours of the neighbourhood and research centre.
The Museum hosts two annual events: The CK Black History Symposium during the month of May and the Field of Honour during the month of September.
For additional information, including hours, tours, and social media, you can visit our website www.ckbhs.org
With tremendous admiration for what has been accomplished and for what you do on a daily basis, the Chatham-Kent Police Service would like to thank you for assisting us in promoting Black History in Chatham-Kent. We encourage everyone to visit the museum and their website for information.
