Black History Month is here!
Whether you are ready for in-person events or still enjoying the comfort of your home, we have you covered with ways to celebrate and support Black businesses, arts, and culture this month in the GTA and at home.
StreetARToronto ‘Just Us’ Exhibit
February 2nd – February 19th, 2023
Worth Gallery (830 Dundas St W.)
FREE
Grab a coffee or a friend and stroll for free through the StreetARToronto ‘Just Us’ Exhibit at Worth Gallery to see this year’s vibrant exhibition of photos, film screenings and murals that speak to past and present social injustices in Black and Indigenous communities and the hope of sharing conversations to build a more inclusive and better future in the community. For more information on the program and event can be found here.
Black History Month Concert Series
February 12th & 26th 8pm
February 25th 8.30pm
100 Finch Av. W North York
FREE
Whether you are a homebody or live for the party, Afrofest has options at Black History Month Concert Series! Join one or both of the free virtual shows happening this month on the Afrofest Youtube Channel, Canadian artists Maxx Bitota and Idris Lawal are performing on February 12th and Amanie Illfated and Kaisha Lee on February 26th. Alternatively join in person (and for free) on February 25th in North York, reserve your spot here.
Toronto Black Film Festival
February 15th -20th
Multiple Locations + Online
Tickets – $12+ (depending on film)
Toronto Black Film Festival is back, celebrating Black History Month and 11th year spotlighting Black artists and their voices through film. The festival will feature in-person screenings, Q&A’s, TBFF Kids Festival for the whole family and online programs to engage all festivalgoers. A Live Performance Series will be wrapping up each film-filled day at Pogue Mahone’s Pub & Kitchen, featuring a talented line up of music and spoken word artists.
For festival info, passes and trailers visit here.
Everbloom Micro Music Festival!
Saturday 25th February
The Great Hall 1087 Queen Street West Toronto, ON M6J 1H3
Tickets $35
Celebrate Canadian Black Arts and Culture at the Everbloom Micro Music Festival, with musical talent from R&B Artists, AHISA and Quincy Griffith, Hip-Hop artists KOZIITHEGOAT, Big Juice, alongside Drag Queen/King beauties Eboni Parks and Manny Dingos and Market to support Black businesses in the community. Full Line up and Ticket purchases found here.
‘Since 2012, Waveland has been committed to celebrating and empowering the Canadian music scene. We believe that experiencing and engaging with Canadian music is a major contributing factor to sustaining social bonds among the people within our communities.’
Shop and support local Black businesses by attending one of many markets popping up over the GTA this month! Find your closet market here –
Afro Caribbean Farmers Market – Weekly – 1531 Eglinton Ave west, Toronto
Black Owned Toronto Market Place – February 25th – Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto
Black History Month Market – February 24th – 1352 Lakeshore Road East Mississauga
Black Makers Market – February 26th – Brampton City Hall
Can’t make it out? Visit the Black Business Direct, a digital directory of Black owned businesses across all of Canada.
Events, charities and nonprofits require an unimaginable amount of effort, time and manpower to be successful and effective in our community. Most events listed and others taking place this month are free, but there is always an opportunity to donate if you are attending, or if you choose not to venture out this month, research charities in your area where a donation big or small could lend a helping hand in achieving their mission.
Check out these sites providing lists of Black led charities that support a range of programs aiming to combat Black racism while providing resources from housing, health and education to organizations making it their mission to preserve and educate Black culture and heritage.
Celebrating during the month doesn’t require commitment to be at a time or place. Reading articles, books and listening to new music and artists are just a few ways you can learn and honor Black culture in your own time. Check out some of the Articles and Playlists RX Music has published over the years to showcase Legendary, upcoming, and local Black artists.
Exploring Black Representation in Country Music
Prince & the Revolution: Race Gender and the Sound of Black Identity
Black Culture Has Always Been Pop Culture: How Prejudice to Hip-Hop Echoes the Past
