Black History Month in Canada is and has always been such an important way to become educated and educate others on the people and events important to African-Canadian history. As we are more than halfway through Black History Month, I have compiled a list of 10 incredibly unique and diverse events in Toronto that celebrate our African-Canadian community. From panels and open discussions to dance lessons and art exhibits, you’re sure to find something in this list that you can enjoy while celebrating the diversity of our big city.
When: February 22nd, 2019
Where: The Theatre Centre
Enjoy a night of comedy by some of Toronto’s best comedians of color for only $15! These comedians perform on a monthly basis so be sure to catch them every month as they continue this month’s celebrations all year long.
Art At The X – Black History Month Edition
When: February 22nd – 23rd, 2019
Where: Hotel X Toronto by Library Hotel Collection
Art at the X’s monthly art gala is holding a special Black History Month exhibit this month featuring works of black artists such as Moses Salihou. The event is completely free and open to the public so it is a great way to network and a great excuse to dress up.
Black History Month: Young Professionals Panel
When: February 23rd, 2019
Where: Richview Public Library
This free panel offered by the Toronto Public Library is just one of the many events they have put together to celebrate Black History Month. This free panel aims to inspire young professional and educate them on what it takes to be entrepreneurs. Be sure to register in advance as space is limited.
Photo via Unsplash
The Ethnic Rainbow: Anniversary
When: February 23rd, 2019
Where: Comedy Bar
Enjoy a good laugh at the second annual Ethnic Rainbow show, presenting a variety of comedians who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community in Toronto. Advance tickets are $12 and tickets at the door go up to $15.
Canada’s National Black History Month Expo
When: February 23rd, 2019
Where: Global Kingdom Ministries
Join the annual celebration at Canada’s National Black History Month Expo in Scarborough. With a Success Summit, Celebration Concert Event and a BHM History Museum, there is so much to do. Be sure to keep an eye out for special guest Prime Minister Justin Trudeau!
When: February 24th, 2019
Where: Mod Club Theatre
Get ready to be entertained at this incredible performance in honor of Black History Month. With a variety of performance pieces in music, dance and visual art in honor of the most influential black female artists, its tickets are surprisingly only $30!
Photo by Josh Gordon
The Bboyizm African Street Dance workshop
When: February 24th, 2019
Where: Canada’s National Ballet School
Professional dancer Melly Mel, who can be seen dancing in major Hollywood films such as Sex in the City 2 and Chicago, is coming to Toronto to hold this exciting dance workshop in honor of Black History Month. She will be focusing a variety of styles including Pantsula from South Africa, Azonto from Ghana, Djazzé from Gabon and much more. The price of this workshop is $20 and runs for one day only.
Let’s Talk About Vogue Dancing
When: February 27th, 2019
Where: AGO 5th Floor Contemporary Tower
As a part of the AGO’s Free After Three youth program that allows youth 16–25 to participate in a variety of arts related workshops for free, the AGO presents an interview with famous vogue dancer Twysted Miyake-Mugler. She speaks about the way dance has impacted her life and how one can storytell through dance.
The Official Launch of the “HERO” World Tour
When: February 28th, 2019
Where: TIFF Bell Lightbox
New film HERO – Inspired By The Extraordinary Life & Times Of Mr. Ulric Cross is premiering and launching their world tour in Toronto just in time for Black History Month. The evening includes a talk back with the actors following the screening as well as an afterparty, all for $30 at the prestigious TIFF Bell Lightbox.
Photo by Richie Lugo
Us. Here. Now. & A Thousand Paths Home
When: February 5th – 28th, 2019
Where: Union Station
Make your commute a little more vibrant by stopping by the photography and digital art exhibit right inside of Union subway station. This exhibit features the works of Toronto’s black community and will be going on all month, absolutely free of charge to visit.
I hope you get the chance to check out some of these events in the next couple of weeks to conclude another incredible Black History Month. Though it is amazing to celebrate Black History Month each February, be sure to keep the conversation going all year round, showing appreciation for the culture of our African-Canadian community in Toronto and around the world.