February is Black History Month, and there is plenty to do in the City to celebrate Black history, arts and culture. This month, engage in a rich array of events across the city, from inspiring art, enlightening historical culture, to educational workshops. Together, let's foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the countless stories that make up our shared history.
Your city, your history – let's celebrate!
The following are a sample of events and online exhibits occurring across the City this February. Pleases visit the City of Toronto website for a comprehensive list of events and historic literature this Black History Month.
KUUMBA Festival - Harbourfront Centre (235 Queens Quay West), until end of February
KUUMBA aims to transcend historical narratives of trauma and repression, uniting the community and sparking exchange around the creative and intellectual achievements of the Black diaspora. Cultivating an inclusive atmosphere that centres on meaningful dialogues and celebratory expressions, KUUMBA recognizes the paramount contributions of Black creators shaping the future of art, culture and society.
Various performances, workshops and more will be held during the KUUMBA Festival. Please visit the Harbourfront Centre website for more information.
CBMA Presents: Canadian Cyphers: Elements of Toronto Hip-Hop - City of Toronto Archives (255 Spadina Road), until end of February, 9:00am to 4:00pm
This Black History Month the Canada Black Music Archives (CBMA) highlights Canada’s contribution to the hip-hop genre, with a special focus on Toronto. The exhibition will focus on some of the city’s foundational figures through photographs, posters, fashion, music videos, and more.
Please visit the CBMA website for more information.
Sojourn - Cedar Ridge Creative Centre (225 Confederation Drive), February 1 to 26, from 9:00am to 9:00pm Monday to Thursday and 9:00am to 4:00pm Friday to Sunday
Experience the joy in The Flying Bushman’s (Boloebi Okah) paintings, where his Nigerian heritage comes alive. Vibrant landscapes, tropical birds and women in colourful headwraps are brought to life in these bold compositions. Okah’s distinctive style radiates joy, peace and energy, expressing a free spirit infused with the essence of Nigerian culture.
For more information, please visit the Cedar Ridge Creative Centre website.
ArtHeart's Black History Month Paint Night, ArtHeart Community Art Centre (Daniel’s Spectrum, 585 Dundas Street East Suite 210), February 7, 6:30pm to 9:30pm
Warm up this Black History Month with Paint Night. Celebrate Black History with Regent Park’s very own artist, Melissa Falconer and unleash your creativity at this fun filled event - no experience needed, and art supplies are included. Get tickets here.
Before the 6ix: What is the Toronto Sound? - Toronto Reference Library, Bram and Bluma Appel Salon (789 Yonge Street),February 11 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
In the wake of one of the most high profile beefs in hip-hop history last year, the question of Toronto's hip-hop sound became a topic of discussion around the world in online and in real life forums. Does a Toronto sound actually exist? Join Before the 6ix hosts Del Cowie and DJ Agile, as they go on a musical journey digging through the crates of Toronto's hip hop canon in search of an answer, with special guest panelist Saukrates, Keysha Freshh and Solitair.
Advanced registration is strongly recommended.
CBMA Presents: Black History Month Showcase - City of Toronto Archives (255 Spadina Road), February 21, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
This special event will feature live performances by Toronto’s legendary hip-hop duo, the Dream Warriors, and lyrical master, Mathematik. Set to spin between acts are local giants DJ Carl Allen, DJ DTS, and Joey from Soundquest. Special guest speakers and a surprise guest performer are still to be announced. Explore the Canadian Cyphers: Elements of Toronto Hip-Hop and audio-visual display while listening to some of Toronto’s pioneering hip-hop artists. Book your tickets to this free event now on Eventbrite.
Exploring Caribbean Connection: One Man’s Crusade - Web Exhibit
Donald Willard Moore (1891-1994), described by his friend and former Human Rights Commissioner Bromley Armstrong as “the leader, the gentle giant, the man with the iron fist in a velvet glove,” was a community leader and civil rights activist who fought to change Canada’s exclusionary immigration laws.
Please visit the City of Toronto's website to learn more.
Black History in Toronto - Web Exhibit
Toronto has had an African Canadian population from its early days as a settlement. Its inhabitants included enslaved women, men, and children, Black Loyalists, and African Americans escaping enslavement in the United States. It also included rural Black Canadians moving from Nova Scotia or south-western Ontario, as well as people from the Caribbean and the African continent. Members of each of these groups have contributed to the growth of Toronto as a unique city. This exhibit highlights samples from the City of Toronto Archives from the early years.
Please visit the City of Toronto's website to learn more.
Help Shape the Future of Accessible Transit in Toronto! The TTC is looking for new members to join its Advisory Committee on Accessible Transit (ACAT). This group plays a central role in advising the TTC Board and staff, ensuring our transit services are inclusive and responsive to the needs of all. Apply now before the August 12 deadline!
At our meeting on May 21 and 22, City Council dedicated a significant amount of time to address the Ombudsman Report on the City’s response to a vital service outage in a multi-tenant home, as well as the Council-directed proposed bylaw to protect social infrastructure. Amidst thoughtful discussion and lively debate, I also released section 37 funds to advance projects from the 2024 Participatory Budgeting cycle.
Happy Pride Month! June is both a month of celebration and reflection on the progress the 2SLGBTQ+ community has made. With choppy international waters causing fear and uncertainty both south of the border and at home, I know many in our community are feeling a lot of anxiety. So if you need it, please make space for yourself this month.
There is a lot to do in the City this summer, and I encourage you to experience everything you can. For Pride events in June, please visit my online calendar to see what is happening here in Toronto Centre. If you are looking to enjoy an outdoor meal or drink, I have a list of CafeTO, sidewalk cafe and private patios for you to browse. Registration for summer recreation is also opening next week, including for swimming classes, art workshops and sports programs.
