February is Black History Month in Canada. During this time, and all year long, TD is proud to support arts and cultural organizations and events through the TD Ready Commitment (the Bank's corporate citizenship platform) that work to amplify the diverse voices that reflect Canada and make an impact in their communities.
Arts and storytelling shape our histories and experiences. By supporting cultural events across Canada through the TD Ready Commitment, TD aims to honour this tradition and celebrate the many Black individuals and organizations that contribute to the fabric of our communities.
If you're looking to get involved, learn, and participate in Black History Month, but you're not sure how to get started, you could start by attending or supporting an event, or visiting a local, Black-led organization in your community.
Below, TD Stories has compiled some of the programs supported by the Bank through the TD Ready Commitment in Canadian cities this February, and beyond. From concerts and film screenings to art exhibitions and a youth-driven talent show, here is a summary of some of the many arts and cultural events happening to mark Black History Month, based on input supplied by these organizations. To learn more visit: td.com/marchforward.
PRAIRIES
Ethnik Festivals Association: Ethnik Festival of Arts & Culture 2024
February 9-10, 2024
Calgary
The Ethnik Festival of Arts and Culture is an annual Black History Month celebration in Calgary. This year, the theme of the event is "empowering women of all races towards nation and community building." The two-day celebration will feature local and emerging artists, speakers, and food demonstrations. Learn more on the Ethnik Festivals website.
Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum: Black History Month Events
February 1-24, 2024
Regina
This Regina-based virtual museum and organization dedicated to education will host multiple events throughout February, including its yearly African Canadian/Black History Month launch event on February 1 and a wrap-up event on February 24. Learn more on the museum's website.
ONTARIO
Discovery through the Arts: Celebrations & Revelations 2024
Ottawa: Feb. 8, 2024
Toronto: Feb. 11, 2024
In association with Joy Bullen, Culturpreneur, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 kicks off Black History Month with musicians Rashaan Rori Allwood (pianist and instrumentalist) and Kathryn Patricia Cobbler (loop pedal violist) and soprano Nadine Anyan. Together, they'll reflect the Caribbean and African diaspora experience through music set against images and film from Canada and the Caribbean. Learn more about these concerts on the Joy Bullen website.
Art Gallery of Ontario
Life Between Islands: Caribbean-British Art 1950s-Now, Until April 1, 2024
June Clark: Unrequited Love
Toronto
TD is the lead sponsor for these two exhibitions at the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) in downtown Toronto. Life Between Islands, which arrives in Toronto from the Tate Britain art gallery in London, looks at the relationship between the Caribbean and Britain and reconsiders British art history from a Caribbean perspective.
June Clark is a Harlem-born, Toronto-based artist. Her solo exhibition, which rethinks the American flag, is dedicated to Colin Rand Kaepernick, the American football player who knelt during the American national anthem to bring attention to violence against Black people in American and around the world.
Learn more about both these exhibitions on the AGO's website.
Harbourfront Centre: Kuumba
Feb. 1-29, 2024
Toronto
Kuumba is the Harbourfront Centre's annual Black History Month festival. This year's programming is centered around the idea of raising your voice and joyful expression. During the month-long event, Kuumba will feature iconic Black artists such as Angie Thomas, Anne-Marie Woods, Dwayne Morgan, Jully Black in a curated program of visual art, music, dance, film screenings, and workshops. Learn more on the Harbourfront website.
Toronto Black Film Festival 2023
Feb. 14-19, 2024
Toronto
The 12th annual Toronto Black Film Festival runs from February 14-19 and will showcase work at multiple Toronto venues by African, Caribbean, African American and Black Canadian filmmakers. Since 2015, the festival has honoured an important figure in African diaspora film. This year's honouree is actress Pam Grier. Learn more on the Toronto Black Film Festival website.
Obsidian Theatre Company: Three Sisters
Feb. 29-Mar. 17, 2024
Toronto
Obsidian Theatre Company and Soulpepper Theatre, two Toronto-based theatre companies, present this adaptation of Anton Chekhov's classic play. This version, by Inua Ellams and directed by Mundy Tindyebwa Otu, is set in Nigeria, and explores themes of colonialism and emancipation through the eyes of one family. Learn more on the Obsidian Theatre website.
Toronto Public Library
Black History Month Programming
Feb. 1-29, 2024, Various Library Branches
Toronto
The country's largest library system will play host to Black History Month programs – including film screenings and talks – for patrons of all ages at branches throughout the city.
QUEBEC
Théâtre BTW/Black Theatre Workshop
DIGGERS
Feb. 1-17, 2024
Montreal
Black Theatre Workshop and Prairie Theatre Exchange present this tribute to essential workers by playwright Donna-Michelle St. Bernard. The show is centered on Abdul and Solomon who introduce new gravedigger, Bai, to their work as they try to make the most out of increasingly tough working conditions. Learn more on the Black Theatre Workshop website.
Fondu au Noir / Fade to Black
Feb. 7-11, 2024
Montreal
The 13th annual Fondu au Noir/Fade to Black Festival runs from February 7-11 with both in-person and virtual programming that includes concerts, film screenings, panel discussions, visual arts workshops and virtual reality programs for participants of all ages. Learn more on the festival website.
Forum Jeunesse Afro-Québécois
Festival d'Arts Afro-québécois
February 8, 2024
Quebec City
This annual event hosted by the Forum Jeunesse Afro-Québécois (FJAQ) spotlights emerging artists and acts as an opportunity to introduce these artists to the larger Quebec community. This year's theme is "common struggle." Learn more on the FJAQ website.
Carrefour jeunesse-emploi de Côte-des-Neiges: Monnaie Money 14th Annual Black History Month Talent Show 2024
Feb. 24, 2024,
Montreal
Carrefour jeunesse-emploi de Côte-des-Neiges produces the annual Monnaie Money Talent Show during Black History Month. The Montreal-based show sees 25 youth acts competing for prizes while bringing diverse voices and communities together. Visit Eventbritefor Monnaie Money 2024 tickets.
Fondation Dynastie: Semaine Dynastie and Gala Dynastie
April 21-April 27, 2024
Montreal
For an event that occurs after Black History Month, look towards Fondation Dynastie, which will present a week-long program that includes two awards galas (one for those in media and one for individuals working in arts and culture), a summit, talks and more. Visit the Fondation Dynastie website to learn more.
Les Productions Nuits d'Afrique Inc
Feb. 1-Mar. 8, 2024
Montreal
This Quebec-based organization dedicated to Africa music presents the "Women of the World Raise their Voices" concert series in honour of Black History Month. The five different concerts will feature women artists from Cameroon, South Africa/Ontario, Brazil and Gambia. Visit the concert series web page to learn more.
For more Black History Month events in Quebec, visit Mois d'histoire des noirs.
ATLANTIC
Halifax Public Libraries: African Heritage Month 2023
Feb. 1-28, 2024
Halifax
Throughout February, Halifax Public Libraries will host events for Haligonians of all ages, including author talks, film screening, kid-friendly scavenger hunts, workshops, and much more. Learn more about the diverse array of programming on the Halifax Public Libraries website.
The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Celebrations and Revelations 2024: Unyielding Roots
Feb. 2, 2024
Halifax
In association with Joy Bullen, Culturpreneur, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 kicks off Black History Month with musicians Rashaan Rori Allwood (pianist and instrumentalist) and Kathryn Patricia Cobbler (loop pedal violist) and soprano Nadine Anyan. Together, they'll reflect the Caribbean and African diaspora experience through music set against images and film from Canada and the Caribbean. Learn more about the concert on the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 website.
Halifax Black Film Festival
Feb. 23-27, 2024
Halifax
The Halifax Black Film Festival (HBFF) creates space for discussing cultural and socioeconomic issues by presenting outstanding cinematic works by Black creators. This year's festival runs both online and in-person. Visit the Halifax Black Film Festival website to learn more.
