Yes, February is the month of love, but more importantly, it’s a time of recognition, education, and celebration. Black History Month is upon us, Calgary and there are a ton of ways to support, learn and honour the legacy of incredible Black Canadians past and present.

From locally owned businesses and organizations to resource centres and restaurants, here are just a few of the ways that you can commemorate Black History Month – not only this February, but on every other day of the year as well.

RESTAURANTS

SIMPLY IRIE

Simply Irie is an authentic Caribbean resto, with a menu that could knock your socks off. Everything is insanely good, but their Jerk Chicken is beachy BBQ at its prime.

Where: 1510 6th Street SW
Service: Skip the Dishes
Instagram: @SimplyIrie

YENNY DELIGHTS

Led by Executive Chef Toyin Adepoju, Yenny Delights is an Afro Caribbean restaurant that specializes in authentic items and quality ingredients. Everything is well priced, served with a smile, and tastes incredible. Check it out!

Where: 81, 3131 27 St NE Calgary
Service: Door Dash
Instagram: @YennyDelights1

MARATHON ETHIOPIAN 

Marathon is a cozy restaurant that has brought smiles to those passing through Kensington for 23 years. Everything here is colourful and the staff is super pleasant – so it’s well worth the visit!

Where: 130 10 St NW, Calgary
Service: Online here or Skip The Dishes
Instagram: @MarathonEthiopian 

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AGGUDO COFFEE

 

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Aggudo is a beautiful little cafe with a cozy atmosphere and of course, great coffee. Their menu is unique, their staff is warm and welcoming and their cinnamon chai tea latte is unreal.

Where: 338 10 st NW, Calgary
Service: In store only
Instagram: @Aggudo_Coffee

RETAILERS

IVYBLOOM BOX

Ivybloom is the ultimate place to get a gift for anyone on any occasion. Each box is filled with locally owned goodies, presented beautifully, and is guaranteed to make anyone’s day.

Where: Online here
Instagram: @IvybloomBox

JOYCE’S CLOSET

Who doesn’t love a good consignment shop? Joyce’s Closet is the place if you’re looking for luxury fashion at a fraction of the price. Everything has been carefully selected, well taken care of, is in season, and is in style. Happy shopping!

Where: Online here
Instagram: @JoycesClosetYYC

ZILLA COUTURE

From dresses and blazers to athleisure and accessories, Zilla Couture has everything in every colour and almost every size! Treat yourselves, Calgary.

Where: Online here
Instagram:  @ZillaCoutureOfficial_

TISH JEWELRY

Tish Jewelry has some unreal pieces, Calgary. Everything is pretty, simple, elegant, and will go well with practically every outfit. With Valentine’s Day coming up, there’s really no better time to check them out (even if it’s only just to get a from-you-to-you gift.)

Where: Online here
Instagram: @TishJewelry

EVENTS

MOTHER TONGUE: THE PHILOSOPHY OF MALCOLM X

Moderated by Imani Perry, join authors Anna Malaika Tubbs and Michael Sawyer as they explore the influence that Malcolm X’s mother had on his philosophical system.

When: Monday, February 22nd
Where: Online
Time: 4:30 pm – 6 pm
Cost: Free

STORY CAFE: THE BLACK EXPERIENCE 

Hosted by playwright, singer, actor, and storyteller Maria Crook in participation with local dancers, educators, and musicians, settle in for an evening of real stories, told by real Calgarians.

When: Wednesday, February 24th
Where: Online
Time: 7 pm – 8 pm
Cost: Free (donations appreciated)

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: LET’S TALK

This February, catch not one, but 6 virtual events, each on a different topic from Anti-Racism to the value of black literature. Learn from insightful conversations with the U of C faculty of the arts and listen to stories, studies, and the experiences of incredibly smart and talented women.

When: Wednesday, February 2nd, 5th, 8th, 11th, 23rd and 25th
Where: Online here
Time: See times above
Cost: Free

UNGANISHA: REBIRTH

Celebrating the “cross-culture connections” of Tap, Jazz, Hip-hop, Samba, Capoeira, Step, Afro-Cuban, Afro-Caribbean, and Salsa, this beautiful 2-part event will explore the importance of African origins in modern dance.

When: Saturday, February 13th & 20th
Where: Online
Time: 6 pm
Cost: $11.62

ORGANIZATIONS AND RESOURCES

ALBERTA CIVIL LIBERTIES RESEARCH CENTRE

COALITION FOR EQUAL ACCESS TO EDUCATION

#SHEMEETSYYC

INCLUSION FACTOR

CHARITIES/FOUNDATIONS

SANKOFA ARTS AND MUSIC FOUNDATION

BLACK LIVES MATTER YYC

THE COLOUR FACTOR 

CALGARY BLACK CHAMBERS

There you have it, folks As we said, these are only a FEW different ways to celebrate Black History Month in Calgary. Where will you start? Let us know!

Curiocity Staff

With a curated slate of what matters in your city, Curiocity presents you with the most relevant local food, experiences, news, deals, and adventures. We help you get the most out of your city and focus on the easy-to-miss details so that you’re always in the know.
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