LIVING THE LEGACY
Black History Month Celebrations & Reflections
Celebrating the Icons and Culture That Shape Our Past, Present, and Future!
“BLACK EXCELLENCE is worthy of celebration every single day!”
Black history isn’t just something to remember – it’s something to celebrate, honor and keep alive every single day! From the fearless icons who paved the way to the game-changers making waves today, Black excellence is everywhere – and this month, we’re putting it front and centre where it belongs!
And let’s be real – Black culture is the blueprint! We set the trends, break barriers, and turn every space we step into, into something legendary! This Black History Month, we’re turning up the joy, amplifying our voices, and shining a bright light on the brilliance, resilience, and impact of Black culture.
Whether it’s through storytelling, music, art, activism, or everyday moments of greatness, our contributions are woven into the fabric of history, and the best part? We’re just getting started!
HONOUR OUR ICONS!
Now, let’s spotlight a few, of many, iconic Black Canadian women whose legacy continue to inspire today:
Viola Desmond
A pioneer in the civil rights movement in Canada, Viola Desmond defied racial segregation in Nova Scotia in 1946, sparking a movement for equality in Canada. Her courage raised awareness for racial justice, and she is now featured on Canada’s $10 bill.
Portia White
A legendary opera singer who broke barriers in the arts and became the first Black Canadian concert singer to gain international acclaim.
Mary Ann Shadd
A journalistic powerhouse and the first Black woman publisher in North America, she used her newspaper, The Provincial Freeman, to advocate for abolition, women’s rights, and education while also aiding enslaved people through the Underground Railroad.
Must-Attend Events
This month, Durham is coming alive to honor our culture, uplift our community and keep our history thriving. Mark you calendar – you won’t want to miss these events:
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Harbourfront Centre, 250 Front Street West, Toronto
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AGO, 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto
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11:30am - 5:00pm
St. Francis Centre fo Community, Arts and Culture, 78 Church Street South Ajax
FREE
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1:00pm
Sts. Peter & Paul Banquet Hall, 231 Milner Ave, Scarborough
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12:00pm - 2:00pm
Hart House, 7 Hart House Cir, Toronto
LEARN MORE
Good Reels & Reads
In the mood to curl up with a good book or get cozy and watch a movie? Dive into the rich world of Black culture with these recommendations:
BOOKS
MOVIES
Hidden Figures (2016)
The untold story of the Black women mathematicians behind NASA’s space missions.
The Woman King (2022)
Inspired by the real-life all-female warrior unit in West Africa.
Mahalia (2021)
A biopic about Mahalia Jackson, the Queen of Gospel, and her influence on both music and the Civil Rights Movement.
Soul (2020)
An animated film that explores purpose and passion through the journey of a Black jazz musician, delivering an uplifting and heartfelt message.
DOCUMENTARIES
Summer of Soul (2021)
Highlights the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, an important yet overlooked moment in Black music history.
Paid in Full: The Battle for Black Music
Explores the history of racial injustice in the music industry and Black artists' ongoing fight for fair pay.
Black Is King (2020)
A visually stunning film by Beyoncé that reimagines “The Lion King” through African and Black culture.
High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America (2021)
A fascinating look at the roots and impact of African American food culture.
Shout it out loud, “BLACK EXCELLENCE is worthy of celebration every single day!”
Let’s make this a month filled with inspiration, empowerment, and all the Black joy your heart can handle. Let’s celebrate our past, embrace our present, and build an even brighter future—together. Because when we shine, the whole world shines with us!
written by Nickisha R