There’s a Black History Month exhibit at the Lakeshore Library in Innisfil, this January and February, that’s less about history and more about the future, and possibilities.
It’s ‘Our Mosaic Lives’, an exhibition of photographs representing one woman’s journey towards inspiration, inclusion and diversity, through a celebration of the achievements of Black women and girls.
Michèle Newton was Public Relations Officer for the Town of Innisfil for five years. Since leaving the municipal sector in 2016, she has worked as a communications specialist and consultant, and is currently PR specialist and Director of Konvo Media in Toronto.
She is also a change-maker, inspirational speaker and mentor, and through ‘Our Mosaic Lives,’ has been exploring her own understanding of who she is and who she can be, through photography, poetry, and a collaboration with exceptional women.
The exhibit – a series of wonderful photos of women like Nana Aba Duncan, CBC commentator; Canadian jazz singer Dione Taylor; and young athlete, Olympian and member of Canada’s National women’s soccer team, Deanne Rose – is subtitled, ‘We’re better together.’
It’s the underpinning philosophy that Newton embraces.
The journey started when she was looking for personal inspiration – some kind of blog, or website – but couldn’t find anything that fit precisely.
“That’s where my ‘Back to Black Journey’ to recognize Black History Month and to celebrate Black Canadian Women began in 2018, and how my Our Mosaic Lives project came to be,” Newton wrote on her website.
Initially, seven women of colour – talented, passionate and accomplished – shared their personal reflections and advice.
“It was my privilege to meet them, make a connection, and share their profiles,” Newton wrote. She was so inspired by the women, that she has continued the series, creating the show now on display at the library, and collaborating on other projects that focus on both inclusion and diversity.
Coming up at the Lakeshore Library, as part of Our Mosaic Lives: Open to Change panel discussion, Wednesday Jan. 29 from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., featuring panellists Keisha-Ann Shaw Hill, local lawyer and entrepreneur, singer-songwriter Errol Lee, and a local high school student. Michèle Newton will be moderator and host.
Panellists will share their experiences and perspectives on diversity, inclusion, and being open to change. Free, but please pre-register by clicking here. The Lakeshore library is located at 967 Innisfil Beach Rd.
