​Bruce County Public Library to host unique Black History Month event in Port Elgin

Celebrate Black History Month with a story highlighting cultural resilience and the fight for recognition.

The Bruce County Public Library is bringing the award-winning short documentary, “Patty versus Patty,” to the community, Sunday, Feb. 2, at 2 p.m., at the Port Elgin branch.

This documentary, which won the 2023 Canadian Screen Award for Best Short Documentary, explores the bizarre story of the 1985 Toronto ‘Patty Wars,’ when Canadian federal food inspectors deemed that Jamaican beef patties were illegally named, and threatened vendors with fines up to $5,000 (now over $11,100). Vendors resisted, refusing to rename the beloved Jamaican snack, creating a unique and inspiring chapter in Canada’s history.

The event will begin with opening remarks by Lesley Birchard, executive in charge of production for CBC Docs. Following the screening, the film’s director, Chris Strikes, will join, virtually, for a question-and-answer session. To add even more flavour, attendees will enjoy a patty-tasting session, courtesy of Coral’s Caribbean of Wiarton.

“This event is a wonderful way to bring history to life for our community, and a chance to reflect on a cultural story while savouring a piece of that history with delicious patties,” said library director Brooke McLean.

This is a free event for residents, and promises to be an enriching and flavourful celebration of Black History Month.

Visit the Bruce County Public Library website to stay up-to-date on programs and special events.