Feb. 1 marks the start of Black History Month across Canada.
It’s a time to celebrate the achievements of those of black and African-Canadian descent and to acknowledge their contributions to the cultural, economic and political life of the country.
This month marks as a reminder that African-Canadians have been involved in struggles for equal opportunity and fair treatment, and challenges our major cities to address the causes and effects of racism and to build an inclusive society through events.
Canada is welcoming the public to celebrate, rejoice and explore the culture, traditions and heritage of African-Canadians.
View Black History Month: Events in Canada in a larger map
Toronto:
Toronto Public Libraries are celebrating the mark of Black History Month with literature, song and film to celebrate African diaspora.
For a full list of Toronto Library events:
http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/search.jsp?Ntt=black+history+month&view=grid&Erp=20
The City of Toronto also listed a few of their events below: http://www.toronto.ca/blackhistory/events.htm
“Finding Freedom: The Joshua Glover Story”
Montgomery’s Inn
4709 Dundas St. W.
Feb. 24, 2012
7-9 p.m.,
$20 plus HST
Includes snacks, refreshments and a tour of the Inn.
Pre-registration required.
Mackenzie House
82 Bond St.
Saturdays and Sundays in February
Noon- 5 p.m.
Admission: adults ($5.71 plus HST), seniors/youth ($2.62 plus HST), children $2.38 plus HST).
Learn more about the early Black community in Toronto, including those who published newspapers.
Call 416-392-6915 to make a booking.
Fort York National Historic Site
“Underground Railroad: The William Still Story”
250 Fort York Blvd.
Feb. 11
2 p.m.
Child Care Services
The City’s 53 Municipal Child Care Services locations will be sharing information with children and families throughout the month. Locations will also host family celebrations with food, singing and storytelling. Excursions will include story readings at the Toronto Public Library and local theatre presentations.
The Brampton Library and the Art Gallery of Ontario are also partnering for a special program to celebrate Black History Month.
The Role of Art in Black History
Spend a day with community artists from the AGO and learn about the history of African-American families who have made and cherished quilts. Explore the African-derived meanings, patterns, and iconography. Learn about the Signs and Symbols that were used in African art. Explore the history of the Underground Railroad. Create your own decorative sign or symbol that tells a story. Space is limited.
Please call 905-793-4636 to register for this program.
For ages 5 and up.
February 11: Mount Pleasant Village Branch
Session 1: 1:30 – 2:20 p.m.
Session 2: 2:30 – 3:20 p.m.
February 18: Chinguacousy Branch
Session 1: 1:30 – 2:20 p.m.
Session 2: 2:30 – 3:20 p.m.
For more information, please visit:
http://www.bramptonlibrary.ca or phone them:(905) 793-4636
Harbourfront Centre presents the 16th Annual edition of Kuumba
February 3-5, 2012
A weekend-long festival that invites members of the public to explore and celebrate the heritage, traditions and culture of African-Canadians. Don’t miss it!
Honey Jam: Celebrating 16 Years
Harbourfront Centre: Brigantine Room
http://www.honeyjam.com/
A reunion concert and photo exhibit, this multicultural, multi-genre, all-female talent showcase celebrates its 16 year history and pays tribute to iconic female artists with inspiring performances from Honey Jam alumni: Michie Mee, Jemeni, Kellylee Evans, Saidah Baba Talibah, Kim Davis, DJ MelBoogie and others.
Join Manifesto for a talk-back session and short film screening with Jamaican film director Storm Saulter, director of the critically acclaimed film Better Mus’ Come which will be making it’s Canadian debut at the TIFF Bell Lightbox as part of a fundraiser for Caribbean Tales Youth Film Festival.
Thursday, February 2
Manifesto HQ
37 Bulwer Street
7-9pm
Cost: Pay What You Can
RSVP Necessary: rsvp@themanifesto.ca
Al Green Theatre
Syncopation: Life in the Key of Black
With a concert and photo exhibit, Syncopation honours the legacy of Canada’s black musicians from the 1930s to the 1950s. It features an original suite composed by jazz legend Archie Alleyne and Dr. Andrew Scott and is performed by Alleyne’s Evolution of Jazz Ensemble. Other award-winning artists also perform.
Advance Tickets: $40
Tickets at the door: $50
750 Spadina Ave.
Feb. 5, 2012
3 p.m.
http://www.aasf.ca/
Toronto and Montreal:
TD Canada Bank is teaming up to celebrate Black History Month with an event called, “Then and Now.” Their lineup of events includes concerts, performances, exhibitions and films by a host of Canadian and international artists.
Click here for a full detailed list of events around Toronto and Montreal:
http://www.td.com/to-our-customers/black-history-month.jsp
Vancouver:
Click here for a full list of Civic Partnership Events and Information for Black History Month in Vancouver:
http://vancouver.ca/multiculturalism/blackhistory.htm
Thursday, February 9
MOVIE: The Godmother of Rock & Roll
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour Street
Doors at 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. start
The African-American gospel singing superstar beloved by Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Robert Plant and who was an inspiration to the rock & roll greats of the 40s, 50s and 60s. This exciting evening will include live music from Vancouver blues and gospel guitarist Chelsea D.E. Johnson.
For more information and tickets visit http://www.viff.org
Thursday, February 23
PERFORMANCE: Skins & Steel
Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour Street
Doors at 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m. start
A lively combination of music, dance, footage from the vaults of CBC, and a filmic commentary on mixed race children, combine to celebrate the African Diaspora’s Caribbean influence on Vancouver during the 50s.
For more information and tickets visit http://www.viff.org
Monday, February 27
MOVIE: The Mighty Jerome
Vancouver Public Library
350 West Georgia Street
7 p.m.
Free event
While living in North Vancouver, this Olympic competitor was one of Canada’s leading athletes and set track records in the 1950s and 60s, becoming known as “the world’s fastest man”. Watch a film clip here: http://www.nfb.ca/playlist/mighty-jerome
Edmonton:
Full list of Black History Month Events in Edmonton, Alberta: http://www.nbccedmonton.ca/index.cfm?action=events
“MOVIE NIGHT The Soul (slave) Trade, from the Castles of Ghana, West Africa to the Americas onto the Caribbean.”
Saturday, February 04, 2012
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
$7.00
At: University of Alberta – Campus Saint – Jean The Grand Salon.
8406 – 91 Street
Contact: 780-721-8671 or 780-340-2289
“5 Artists, 1 Love – Black History Month Art Exhibit”
Saturday, February 04, 2012 to Saturday, March 03, 2012
Opening: February 4, 2012
4 p.m.– 7 p.m.
Exhibit to run from February 4, 2012 – March 3, 2012
United Colors of Soul (music show) runs on two dates: February 4, 2012
8 p.m. – 11 p.m.
4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
At: Art Gallery of Alberta
Contact: Darren Jordan 780-238-3699
E: misterdjordan@yahoo.com
http://5artists1love.com/
Waterloo:
Black History Month events in Waterloo
http://www.therecord.com/news/local/article/654767–jazz-concert-to-open-local-black-history-month-events
Black History Month Events:
“Africville Stories”
By jazz composer/musician Joe Sealy & Co.
Vocal soloist and narrator: Alana Bridgewater
Arts, crafts and refreshments will be on sale.
Sunday, Feb. 5
3 p.m. (doors open at 2:30 p.m.)
Knox Presbyterian Church
50 Erb St. W., Waterloo
Cost: $35 for adults, $10 for 15 yrs. and younger.
Tickets available at Caribbean Kitchen (Kitchener Market) and Rainbow Caribbean Cuisine, King St. 29 King St. E., or at the door.
Artists interested in displaying and selling their work are asked to contact DaCosta at 519-725-2369.
“A Celebration of African Heritage’
Friday, Feb. 10
6:30 p.m.
University of Waterloo
Hagey Hall, Humanities Theatre
Organized by several community groups including the African Canadian Association of the Waterloo Region.
Drama, dance, storytelling and musical presentations featuring the artist EKHAYA.
Arts, crafts and refreshments will be on sale.
Cost: $10 for adults; $6 for youth 13 to 17 yrs. and free for 12 yrs. and younger. Available at the box office, at the Kitchener-Waterloo Multicultural Centre or by calling 519-880-9540.
London:
10TH ANNUAL OPENING CELEBRATION
Museum London
SAT, FEBRUARY 04, 2012
1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Family friendly and free event . Various cultural and service groups will be on site displaying arts and crafts that are specific to their country of origin or group. Cultural food will be available.
London Museum 519-661-0333
For more information Contact:
Leroy 519-661-0333 leroy@lusocentre.org
http://www.museumlondon.ca
KICK RACISM: INDOOR SOCCER TOURNAMENT
THU, FEBRUARY 09, 2012 – FEB 10, 2012
London | Ontario
Youths between the ages of 12 – 16 at various schools around the city. Teams will comprise of players from elementary and high schools.
For more information Contact:
Joseph 519-697-9745
londonbhcc@gmail.com
POETRY CONTEST
FRI, FEBRUARY 10, 2012
London | Ontario
Calls for Poetry Contest for Celebrating 10 Years of Black History Coordination in London Open to grades 5 through 12
Submission Deadline: Friday, February 10
Deadline: Friday, February 10
For more information Contact:
Joseph 519-697-9745
londonbhcc@gmail.com
10TH ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH CLOSING GALA
SUN, FEBRUARY 26, 2012
2:00PM – 4:00PM
London | Ontario
Wolfe Performance Hall at Central Public Library
$12.00
Tickets: $12 – adults, $6 – children (12 and under)
Available at Feb 1st: – Community Outreach & Program Services, Central Public Library,
251 Dundas Street, 519-661-5122
Festival Food Mart, 456 Southdale Road, 519-649-7765
Cross Cultural Learner Centre, 505 Dundas, 519-432-1133
Harold Usher, 519-686-7502 or email: husher@rogers.com
For more information Contact:
Harold 519-686-7502 husher@rogers.com
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