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!
