Toronto/CMEDIA: City of Toronto’s annual celebration of Black Canadians’ heritage, traditions and culture was launched by Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow by proclaiming February as Black History Month.
“February is Black History Month…contributions of Black changemakers… recognize and commit to ending anti-Black racism, discrimination and oppression – in all its forms…Black communities who call this city home and add to our cultural diversity.” Olivia has said
Throughout Black History Month, Torontonians are encouraged to discover how Toronto has influenced hip hop across the world through an exhibition, panel discussion and other planned events.
The first Canadian municipality, Toronto proclaimed Black History Month 46 years ago, and has since become a national event to address gaps in history, the humanities and science.
Contributions of Black Canadians’ in education, medicine, art, culture, public service, economic development, politics, human rights are once again being recognized this month
Featured Black History Month events include:
Canadian Cyphers: Elements of Toronto Hip-Hop (Monday, February 3 to Friday, February 28)
“Canadian Cyphers: Elements of Toronto Hip-Hop” exhibition by Toronto Archives and Canada Black Music Archives (CBMA) provides a portal into Toronto hip-hop scene and the four elements that set the genre apart. Explore album covers, photographs, turntables and more.
Also featuring items from Toronto’s iconic, the exhibit will 100 Miles brand and an audiovisual display featuring a mix of live performances and interviews from hip-hop’s early days. Free for all ages at the Toronto Archives, 255 Spadina Rd.
CBMA Black History Month Showcase (Friday, February 21 from 6 to 9 p.m.)
With a special appearance by legendary duo Dream Warriors, will shout out Toronto’s hip-hop history live with their global hit, “My Definition of a Boombastic Jazz Style”, helped put Toronto on the international hip-hop map.
The event will also feature a live performance by innovative Toronto emcee Mathematik. Masters of the mix set to spin between sets include DJ Carl Allen, DJ DTS, and Joey from Sound Quest. Those attending can explore the Canadian Cyphers: Elements of Toronto Hip-Hop Exhibit and music video screenings. Pre-registration is required. Free for all ages at the Toronto Archives, 255 Spadina Rd.
Before the 6ix: What is the Toronto Sound? (Tuesday, February 11 from 6 to 8 p.m.)
Toronto’s hip-hop “sound” would be discussed by Toronto hip-hop legends Saukrates, Keysha Freshh and Solitair with hosts Del F. Cowie and DJ Agile. Free to all ages. Toronto Reference Library, Bram and Bluma Appel Salon. Advance registration recommended.
Sojourn (Saturday, February 1 to Wednesday, February 26)
Radiating Nigerian heritage through his paintings of vibrant landscapes, tropical birds and women in colourful headdress, The Flying Bushman’s (Boloebi Okah) brings joy, peace and energy, expressing a free spirit infused with the essence of Nigerian culture. Free for all ages located at Cedar Ridge Creative Art Centre, 225 Confederation Dr.
Toronto History Museums
Events during this month would be provided by multiple City museums including a two-week residency with spoken word poet Desiree Mckenzie at Colborne Lodge and a photo exhibit highlighting black citizens of North York and Toronto at Gibson House.
List of Black History Month events
A comprehensive list of in-person and online events and activities can be found on the City’s Black History Month webpage.
10-Year Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism
A renewed 10-Year Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism, coming in 2025, will build on the achievements of the inaugural five-year Action Plan and the leadership and recommendations of Toronto’s Black communities. This five-year Action Plan was the first of its kind in North America. More information about the City’s work to confront anti-Black racism is available on the City’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism website.
The City’s Black History Month proclamation is available to view at the Proclamations webpage.
