It’s Black History Month, Toronto! All month long, you can catch educational and celebratory events all over the city. From informative speakers to workout classes, to movies and more, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Plus, a ton of these events are accessible online. So COVID-19 concerns are of no consequence.
Here are 11 great ways to celebrate Black History Month in Toronto.
TORONTO PUBLIC LIBRARY PROGRAMMING
All month long, the Toronto Public Library is running programming and special events to honour Black heritage. They have live speakers, contributions from Black activists and artists, and loads more available with just a few clicks on your computer. You can tune into most events live or catch them later on-demand.
Where: Check it out online
When: Find the full schedule here
TORONTO BLACK FILM FESTIVAL
The 9th annual edition of Toronto’s biggest celebration of Black film and filmmakers is on its way to the city. Log on for screenings, speakers, panels, and more. There’s quite the lineup in store!
Where: Check it out online
When: Wednesday, February 10th – Sunday, February 21st
BROWSE THE CINEPLEX BLACK HISTORY COLLECTION
To celebrate Black History Month, Cineplex has put together a collection of over 100 titles. These films elevate Black artists and filmmakers through stories by, for, and about Black people. Plus, for every title purchased they’ll donate $1 to The Black Academy.
Where: Check it out online
SUPPORT THE BLACK ACADEMY
What is The Black Academy? We’re glad you asked. This amazing non-profit organization was created by two Toronto natives, Shamier Anderson and Stephen James. They work tirelessly to celebrate and inspire young, Black creators in Canada. They’re fighting against barriers of discrimination and systemic racism to showcase emerging Black talent.
Where: Check it out online
How to support: Donate to the organization here
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BLACK HISTORY IN TORONTO VIRTUAL EXHIBIT
If you’d like to learn more about Black history specific to Toronto, you can peruse the online exhibit dedicated to just that. They’ve got plenty of artifacts, stories, and information going back as far as the days of early settlement. The city was home to enslaved women, men, and children, Black Loyalists, and African Americans escaping enslavement in the United States.
Where: Check it out online
AWAKENINGS
This amazing art collection is made up of works by Black, Indigenous, and artists of colour. The works explore themes of anti-oppression, anti-colonialism, and anti-racism. You can explore these thought-provoking installations from home when you check it all out online.
Where: Check it out online
BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPEAKER SERIES
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The Ontario Black History Society is hosting a ton of speakers all throughout the month of February. Every week, there’s an event lined up with Black experts from every field. Next week, you can tune in to catch film director/author Cheryl Foggo along with author Lawrence Hill.
Where: Check it out online
When: Find the full schedule here
AFRO FLOW FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH
This 90-minute yoga and meditation session is all about reminding you of your inner power. If you’re Black or Indigenous, you can attend for free. Everyone else will have to pay a small fee. That fee will go towards a donation to support Black and Indigenous charities.
Where: Check it out online
When: Saturday, February 27th
SUPPORT BRIDGE FOR CHANGE
A great organization to give back to this month is Bridge for Change. This non-profit was started by The Honourable Jean Augustine. She was the first Black Canadian woman elected to the House of Commons. The organization is dedicated to empowering Black communities through high-quality education.
Where: Check it out online
TD-21 BLACK FUTURES
The Obsidian Theatre is putting on a virtual performance of 21 filmed monodramas, commissioned from 21 multigenerational Black playwrights from across the country. The event is completely free to attend, and it aims to answer the question: “What is the future of Blackness?”
Where: Check it out online
When: Friday, February 12th
UOFT BLACK HISTORY SYMPOSIUM
The University of Toronto is exploring the roles of diversity and anti-Black racism in academic spaces at their upcoming symposium. Log on to explore keynote speakers and panelists who are community leaders and agents of change.
Where: Check it out online
When: Monday, February 8th
Happy Black History Month, Toronto!
