Black History Month is dedicated to commemorating the achievements of Black people throughout history while reflecting on the prejudices Black people have endured. Black History Month is celebrated in February each year. It is an important event for everyone to celebrate.
We Celebrate Black History Month to mark and commemorate Black contributions to arts, culture, science, sport, and history. Historically, Black people have faced prejudice, and discrimination and have been overlooked because of skin colour. We celebrate annually so that we can remember the wonderful things that Black people have contributed.
Black History commemorations began in America, with the introduction of “Negro History Week” in February 1926. It then became known as Black History Month in 1976 and was declared a national event in 1977.
Every year, there is a specific theme for Black History Month. The Theme this year is “Black Resistance”. This theme explores how Black people have addressed historic and ongoing disadvantages and oppression.
Events Celebrating Black History Month in Toronto
Author Talk: The Legacy of Slavery in Canada with Andrew Hunter
Author Andrew Hunter presents a reading and conversation about his new book, “It Was Dark There All The Time: Sophia Burthen and the Legacy of Slavery in Canada”. February 2 at Gerrard/Ashdale Library , February 15 at City Hall , and February 27 at Fairview Library .
Musical Performance by LOKRE
Singer and songwriter LOKRE takes us through a journey of generations with reflections on family, legacy and celebrating culture through live music. February 11; 7 to 9 p.m. Spadina Museum. Register free online
Black History Month Celebration at Harry Gairey Outdoor Rink
Black History Month will be celebrated at Harry Gairey Outdoor rink, 275 Bathurst Street. The Skate Lending Library will be onsite. February 11; noon to 4 p.m.
Jade is a Twisted Green by Tanya Turton Book Club
Join Tanya Turton for a conversation about her new book at By the Lake Book Club. Writing from multiple points of view, Turton deftly paints the portrait of Jade, a young woman grappling with the loss of her twin sister and navigating life as a young black queer woman in this comical novel that tackles relationships, race, sexuality, loss and becoming an adult. Each in-person event includes a reading, discussion, audience Q&A and book signing. Virtual events are subtitled live and provide online viewing and audio. February 21; 7 to 8:45 p.m. Tickets $28 ($10 virtual). Reservations are available by phone only at 416-338-7255.
Film Screening & Maven Talk with Director Alicia K. Harris
Film screening and talk with this Scarborough Director. She is dedicated to celebrating the Black experience with a focus on beauty, spirituality and vulnerability. Her film PICK won the Canadian Screen Award in 2020. February 23; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Clark Centre for the Arts.
Everbloom Black History Month Music Festival
The City of Toronto’s Music Office is partnering with Waveland to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities as they continue to play a vital role in the arts & culture sector of Canada. Experience a day of music, drag queens and a vendors’ market featuring black-owned businesses. This is a 19+ ticketed event and Saturday, February 25; from 3 to 11 p.m. at The Great Hall, 1087 Queen Street West. Register online
Musical Performance by Matisse
Producer, composer and instrumentalist aka Matisse present his interpretation of iconic pieces of music representing Black culture from the powerful mediums of film. February 25; 7 to 9 p.m. Todmorden Mills. Register free online
Black Entrepreneurs Market at the Centennial Park Ski Chalet
shop local at the Black Entrepreneurs Market at the Centennial Park Ski Chalet. February 24; 5 to 8:30 p.m. and February 25; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Prince Shakur: When They Tell You To Be Good
Prince Shakur joins host Rinaldo Walcott in the Appel Salon to discuss his debut memoir When They Tell You To Be Good. February 28; 7 to 8 p.m. at Toronto Reference Library. Register free online
https://www.cbc.ca/radio/quirks/black-scientists-history-1.5918964
Booker T. Washington, and Sojourner Truth
African American Heroes
