Ontario Celebrates Black Excellence
January 31, 2024
We’re gearing up for Black History & Black Futures Month with events, exhibitions, and performances that highlight the contributions of Black communities in Ontario. From the historical to the creative, from Toronto to the Soo, here are some noteworthy events happening throughout the province.
Kuumba
Throughout February, 2024
Harbourfront Centre, Toronto
Kuumba, Toronto’s largest and longest-running Black Futures Month festival, will take place at the Harbourfront Centre throughout the month of February. The series is a celebration of Black arts, cultures, and societies. Expect music, theatre, dance, and visual arts highlighting Black creativity, including Angie Thomas, Anne-Marie Woods, Dwayne Morgan, Jully Black, and more.
Toronto Black Film Festival
February 14 – 19, 2024
Across Toronto
Now in its 12th edition, the Toronto Black Film Festival is dedicated to providing a platform for unique voices and fresh perspectives in cinema. This celebration of Black creativity and storytelling offers both in-person and online screenings. Plus, the festivities extend beyond the screen, with live performances, workshops, and tributes honouring Black film icons.
Windsor Essex Black History Month
Throughout February 2024
Across the Windsor Region
Honour Black History all month long in Windsor. Throughout the month, a series of events, emphasizing community involvement, will take place at venues across the region. The program includes a month-long art exhibit featuring artist Lana Talbot, brunches, art classes and workshops, poetry sessions, informative talks and panel discussions, and senior, child, and youth programs.
Black History Month Launch 2024: Black History, Black Heritage, Black Future
Sunday, February 4, 2024 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum, Waterloo
Join The Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region for a day-long, family-friendly, in-person event marking Black History Month. This free community gathering offers informative exhibits featuring the stories of Black trailblazers, live performances featuring talented musicians and dancers, conversations with speakers and community leaders, and food to purchase from local Black-owned vendors.
Celebrate Black History Month at the MacLaren
Throughout February 2024
MacLaren Art Centre, Barrie
Visit the MacLaren Art Centre in Barrie for a series of free community-oriented events, including the exhibitions Canvas For Change: Black Youth Art Celebration, and Challenging Preconceptions: Wildlife Photography With Jason George. The centre will also feature Black Canadian poetry, musical performances, and lunch and learn sessions.
2024 Black History Month Gallery Opening
Sunday, February 4, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm
Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre, Oakville
Hosted by the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton, 2024 Black History Month Gallery Opening event marks the start of a month-long exhibition of Afrocentric art and artifacts. Engage with the artists through Q&A sessions and savour Caribbean-inspired finger foods and beverages.
Reclaiming The Narrative: Black Archives At The Archives Of Ontario
February 8, 2024 at 7:00 pm EST
Online (watch the recording here)
Join a free virtual talk hosted by the Niagara Falls History Museum focusing on “Reclaiming the Narrative” at the Archives of Ontario. Melissa J. Nelson, an archivist at the Archives of Ontario, explores the power and potential of Black archival collections as tools for empowerment. The discussion will honour Black record creators who documented and shared their life stories, and includes an exploration of materials such as the Wilma Morrison fonds.
ACCANO’s 2024 Annual Black History Month Celebration Dinner
Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 5:00 PM EST
Grand Gardens North, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Join the African Caribbean Canadian Association of Northern Ontario (ACCANO) for their Annual Black History Month Celebration Dinner. Embracing the theme “Building Community and Belonging,” the evening event promises a multicultural menu that combines Sault Ste. Marie tradition with African Caribbean heritage, as well as live music, dance performances, art exhibits, a fashion show, door prizes, and a cash bar.
Black History Month 2nd Annual Joy and Wellness Family Friendly Event
Saturday, February 24, 2024 1:00 – 3:00 PM
These Four Walls Art Gallery, Trenton/ Quinte West
Join in the 2nd Annual Black History Event in Quinte West, a celebration of Joy and Wellness for the whole family. The Quinte Arts Council is proud to sponsor this event, where you can explore the stunning artwork of Liz Hymans, enjoy lively performances and explore a mini market fair.