Toronto/CMEDIA: Black Mental Health Week in Toronto has reportedly been officially proclaimed by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, on behalf of Toronto City Council from Mar 2- Mar 9.
“This Black Mental Health Week…acknowledge the impacts of anti-Black racism on the mental health of Toronto’s Black communities and will continue…ensuring Black Torontonians receive the care they need…showing up for one another, strengthening connection and community…This year’s theme reminds us that in our increasingly digital world, staying grounded and present in our communities is more important than ever,” Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow has said.
Raising awareness of the significant mental health impacts of anti-Black racism on Black communities across the city, Black Mental Health Week has been marked annually since 2020.
“The Power of CONNECTION: Ancestral Wisdom in a Digital Age” is this year’s theme that explores how technology, social media, and AI influence Black mental health, while centering the grounding power of community, family, and ancestral knowledge.
Black-serving community organizations will dynamic events and conversations will be hosted by the City, exploring both the empowerment and challenges of digital life throughout the week.
Events include but are not limited to:
- Opening Ceremony: An immersive experience featuring Burundian drummers, a sound bowl cleansing ceremony with intention-setting, and Digital Kuumba, which highlights the powerful digital stories of Ubuntu Elders. Registration is required, hosted at 1385 Huntingwood Dr., Scarborough. Offered in partnership with TAIBU and the University of Toronto Scarborough.
- Virtual Discussion: A virtual discussion featuring Anasi teachings that support the power of connection in the digital age. Speakers will share ancestral wisdom and stories to navigate the increasingly digital world and its challenges like algorithms, misinformation, and cyberbullying with the goal of returning to homeostasis. Offered by AGATA Resource Centre.
- Mental Health Conference: Iron Sharpens Iron Men’s Conference will explore the mental health challenges and resilience of Black men in a one-day conference that creates an intentional space for connection across generations, life stages, and lived realities.
- Wellness Experience: A taste-testing experience by Black, Indigenous Women of Colour (BIWOC) will explore Afro-Caribbean roots and offer a culturally affirming wellness practice. Nutrition, wellness, and healthy eating as self-care grounded in culture will be discussed.
- Closing Event: A joyful conclusion featuring culture, creativity, and community. A live culinary demonstration will be followed by performance such as music, spoken word, and movement to celebrate joy as resistance. Registration is required, hosted at 3357 Kingston Rd., Scarborough.
Reaffirming its commitment to addressing anti-Black racism during Black Mental Health week Toronto City will aim to improve access to culturally appropriate mental health supports for Torontonians of African Descent.
Co-led by the City’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit and TAIBU Community Health Centre, Black Mental Health Week would partner with Black Health Alliance, Strides Toronto, Tropicana Community Services, and numerous community organizations who deliver support across Toronto.
More information about these events and others can be found on the Black Mental Health Week website .
