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Celebrating Black History with Peggy Plet

Uncovering Waterloo Region's Untold Stories

For Adults

About the Event

Join researcher and Black history writer Peggy Plet as she presents 'Discovering Waterloo Region’s Untold Stories: Celebrating Black History.' Recognizing the presence and contributions of Black residents in our community's history is crucial for historical accuracy and fostering a sense of belonging and pride among current Black residents.

While Waterloo Region's history is often associated with German and Pennsylvania Mennonite traditions, Peggy's mission is to uncover overlooked narratives that enrich our community's fabric. By bringing these untold stories to light, she aims to deepen our understanding of the past and make our shared heritage more inclusive and meaningful.

Central to Peggy's work is highlighting the profound legacy of Black residents in Waterloo Region, including Kitchener-Waterloo, showcasing their experiences, contributions, and resilience. By shedding light on these often-forgotten stories, she hopes to inspire ongoing learning about this essential yet overlooked chapter in Canadian history.

Celebrating our community's diversity and embracing all aspects of our past ensures a more connected and inclusive future.

About Peggy Plet

Peggy Plet was born in Suriname. After nearly three decades in the Netherlands, she now considers Canada home. She is a descendent of enslaved Africans and the third generation born after Emancipation. Peggy is aware of the sacrifices made by her ancestors on whose shoulders she stands. She has been studying Black History as an Independent researcher for almost thirty years. Recurring themes in her research are: Why are narratives constructed the way they are? What are the stories we are telling ourselves about the past? Whose stories get archived and who decides this?

She stated that knowing her history allows her to live her life with purpose. When she is not working or researching, she enjoys cooking, reading, listening to podcasts, hiking, and riding her bike.

Peggy is a published author, developer and walking tour leader of Black Presence in Berlin, in downtown Kitchener.

Photography Notice: Please note that photographs and videos may be taken at this event and may be broadcast, reproduced, and/or made available in print or online. For individual or small group photos, staff will make attendees aware of their presence and will ask permission before taking photos. 

For larger public events, please note that by attending, you are consenting to the use of your appearance, image, and voice in print or digital productions created by the Waterloo Public Library for promotional use only. Please speak to library staff at the event if you’d like to be excluded from any photo/video. 

Programmer: Nancy