Interactive Time-Walk Exhibit explores province's rich Black history
Author: Angie Deveau
Posted on Nov 15, 2023
Category: UNB Saint John
History will come to life as the New Brunswick Black History Society (NBBHS) unveils its Time-Walk Exhibit on the University of New Brunswick's Saint John campus.
This exhibit, which takes visitors on a journey through Black New Brunswickers' significant contributions and stories, will be launched on Nov. 16 from 4 to 6 p.m. Members of the community are invited.
Dr. Petra Hauf, UNB's provost and vice-president academic expressed her enthusiasm for the exhibit's contribution to education and community engagement.
"As an institution dedicated to knowledge sharing, we believe in the power of preserving and sharing our province's history," said Hauf. "The Time-Walk Exhibit serves as an exceptional educational resource, connecting us to our past and inspiring a more inclusive future."
The exhibit, housed in the Hans W. Klohn Commons, is designed as an interactive time-walk experience with a series of upright banners and a computer touchscreen, allowing visitors to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of hundreds of years of Black history in the province. The exhibition will be displayed at UNB until the end of February in honour of Black History Month.
Key Highlights of the Time-Walk Exhibit:
- Pioneering figures: The exhibit delves into the lives and legacies of trailblazing Black New Brunswickers who have left their mark in various fields, including education, civil rights, the arts and sports.
- Interactive display: The Time-Walk Exhibit incorporates an interactive touchscreen display with audiovisual presentations and multimedia. Visitors can engage with historical documents, photographs and immersive experiences that bring the past to life.
- Education and awareness: The exhibit serves as an educational tool, offering valuable insights into the challenges faced and triumphs achieved by Black communities in New Brunswick over the years. It also emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in contemporary society.
- Community involvement: The NBBHS worked closely with the community to gather stories, artifacts and personal accounts that enriched the exhibit's content. This collaborative effort makes the exhibit a true reflection of New Brunswick's diverse cultural heritage.
- Recognition of contributions: The Interactive Time-Walk Exhibit honours the numerous individuals who have significantly contributed to New Brunswick's cultural, social and economic development.
Ralph Thomas, co-founder and projects coordinator for the NBBHS and former president of PRUDE Inc., will speak at the event.
"The NBBHS interactive Time Walk Exhibit allows both students and visitors to UNB Saint John to explore the rich and inspiring history of the Black community,” said Thomas. “The exhibit allows users to directly access the period or history they are most interested in with just a tap on the screen, without having to go through the entire period from 1400s to 1900s."
"This exhibit is not just a representation of history; it's a catalyst for meaningful discussions about diversity and inclusion,” said Nadia Richards, UNB’s associate vice-president of human rights and equity. “It opens the door to understanding and appreciation."