This year, Canada’s theme for Black History Month is the bicentennial anniversary of the War of 1812 and the contributions of black soldiers in the fight for Canada.
Here is a 60-second video promoting key historical figures and moments from the Canadian black community:
Did you know that in February 2008, Senator Donald Oliver (b November 16, 1938), the first Black man appointed to the Canadian Senate, introduced a motion to have the Senate officially recognize February as Black History Month?
February is Black History Month!
Some celebratory events of Black History Month include:
- Join Ontario Black History Society in launching the first Black International Film Festival (BIFF) in Canada!
- Black International Film Festival (BIFF) is created to commemorate the 15th National Anniversary of February as Black History Month in Canada and the UN International Year for People of African Descent.
- Black International Film Festival will provide award winning films from the African Diaspora, classic films and films that seek to raise discussion or raise awareness.
- Please click here for a listing of confirmed screenings – others may be added. (Certain films are FREE.) For more information, contact the Ontario Black History Society at 416-867-9420 or visit www.blackhistorysociety.ca
- 28 Days: Reimagining Black History Month
- is a FREE Visual Arts Exhibition presented by Justina M. Barnicke Gallery & Georgia Scherman Projects
- 28 Days “invites contemporary artists from the US, UK and Canada to explore Black History Month and its relationship to art, representational space and post-racial politics”
- When: January 19 – February 19, 2012
- Where: Justina M. Barnicke Gallery
Hart House, University of Toronto
7 Hart House Circle
Toronto, ON
416-978-8398- Panel Discussion: Hart House East Common Room Saturday February 18, 1:00 – 5:00 pm
- Where: Georgia Scherman Projects
133 Tecumseth Street, Toronto, ON
416-554-4112
- DRUM BEATS — Black History Month – An Evening of Celebration of the Drum and Black Culture: FREE
- Drum Beats features the lively drumming traditions of West Africa and the Caribbean. Conducted by five artists, these highly interactive performances are designed to involve all age groups.
- For 2012 the Muhtadi International Drumming is launching a new program, Drum Beats, featuring Black artists who provide performances, performance-demonstrations and workshops featuring drumming in GTA (Greater Toronto Area) community centres, libraries, and schools, during Black History Month 2012.
- Please click here for further info, community event listings in libraries and schools across the GTA for the Drum Beats series.
- Thursday, February 16, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm: FREE Reception at The Artscape Wychwood Barns with Drumming Performances, An Animated Display of African Drums, Art Works by Local Black Visual Artists
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Kuumba 2012 presented by TD February 3– 5, 2012
- at Harbourfront Centre
- “for an exploration of African roots through a 21st-century perspective
- this year’s festival also highlights the incredible role women have played in shaping the history of black culture and pushing it to new frontiers
- with artist showcases, roundtable discussions, storytelling, films, fashion, music, dance and children’s programmes, Kuumba presented by TD has something for everyone.”
- please click here for info about the FREE events.
- also, please note that most events are free except for:
- The Market: vendors will be selling goods on-site at The Market
- “Honey Jam: Then & Now”; Honey Jam alumni perform tribute songs in a reunion concert with a photo exhibit showcasing 16 years of Honey Jam
Happy Black History Month!
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