Black History Month 2020: The top events across Canada
From Whitehorse to Halifax, these are your must-see picks
Black Light is a weekly column by Governor General Award-winning writer Amanda Parris that spotlights, champions and challenges art and popular culture that is created by Black people and/or centres Black people.
It's almost Black History Month, a.k.a. the 28 or 29 days when institutions make their token acknowledgements to the communities they ignore the rest of the year.
This is the fourth time I've compiled a roundup of events happening across the country, and each year I debate (with myself) which will make the cut. This year, I've skipped the unimaginative celebrations that think adding a single djembe drummer, a young spoken word artist and a Powerpoint of Rosa Parks is enough to check BHM off their to-do list. I also decided not to include parties, fundraisers or galas.
What you'll find instead is a list of events and projects that deeply engage Black life through art. It's encouraging to realize that more cities and towns across the country are pushing to create this kind of programming.
If you are not able to access any of these places, you can check out 28 Moments of Black Canadian History, a docuseries created by Black youth in Montreal and Ottawa. Each edition gives space to a young person who talks about their experiences of living Black in Canada. Episodes end with lessons on topics such as the history of Zami or Mathieu Da Costa. Enjoy!
Vancouver
Rashaan Rori Allwood and Nadine Anyan in Concert
Feb. 1
Black musicians have been playing classical music for centuries and these two emerging musicians will be diving into the catalogues of these artists, creating a sonic timeline from the 18th century to the present day.
An Orchestral Rendition of Dr. Dre: 2001
Feb. 1
An orchestra made up of horns and strings and DJs and MCs is coming together to present some of Dr. Dre's biggest hits. As far as I can tell, the Compton native won't actually be there, but that shouldn't stop you from attending.
Decolonizing Voices: A Celebration of Canadian Black HERstory + Tonye Aganaba
Feb. 6
Chantal Gibson, Adelene da Soul Poet and Nya Lewis are all coming together for an evening of readings and artist talks topped by a special performance by multidisciplinary artist Tonye Aganaba, who will explore the connections between Black and Indigenous people in Canada.
Root: An Afrocentric Art Experience for Black History Month
Feb. 7
Naomi Grace and Tony Aganaba are the featured artists at this exhibition, which will be up for the month. On Feb. 7 they'll launch the show with an evening of live music, collaborative art and food.
Hip-Hop Feminism: The Southern Dance Movement
Feb. 24
Green College, University of British Columbia
This lecture by Adeerya Johnson will explore the way hip hop dance has fostered connection and community between Black girls in the American south and the rise of Black female hip hop artists.
Calgary
SAMRU celebrates Black History Month
Feb. 4 - 29
From film screenings and speaker series to live music and variety shows, the Students Association of Mount Royal University (SAMRU) has a pretty stellar lineup of events to check out throughout the month.
Wordfest Presents: Cheryl Foggo
Feb. 8
On the 30th anniversary re-release of her book Pourin' Down Rain: A Black Woman Claims Her Place in the Canadian West, Cheryl Foggo will be celebrated with an afternoon of live music, an onstage interview and a book signing.
Respect! Honouring Aretha
Feb. 21-22
I probably don't need to tell you why the late great Aretha Franklin is a legend. One of the greatest singers of all time will be celebrated by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and vocalists Capathia Jenkins and Ryan Shaw.
We Are the Roots: Black Settlers and Their Experiences of Discrimination on the Canadian Prairies
Feb. 22
Flipp Realty Hall at Studio Bell
This film (which is available to watch on Vimeo, by the way!) sheds light on the little-known stories of African-American settlers who arrived in Alberta and Saskatchewan in the early 20th century. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with artists, academics and filmmakers.
We Shall Overcome: A Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Feb. 27
Arts Commons, Jack Singer Concert Hall
Martin Luther King Jr.'s life has fascinated poets, painters, novelists, filmmakers — and musical directors like Damien Sneed. For this special concert, Sneed tells Dr. King's story through the music of Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday and Nina Simone.
Winnipeg
Afro Prairie Film Festival
Feb. 19 - 23
Cinematheque and various locations
With a keynote address by Alison Duke, an acting masterclass with Tonya Williams and a full program and award ceremony for Black Canadian shorts, this film festival is one of the most exciting events happening in the country during February. If you're in the 'Peg, make sure to check it out.
Brandon, Man.
Flags of Unsung Countries and This Too Shall Pass
Jan 16 to March 14
Art Gallery of Southern Manitoba
I've already written about why you should check out Liz Ikiriko's exhibition Flags of Unsung Countries, but that exhibition happens alongside another by abstract painter Gloria C. Swain. Her geometric patterns explore the sharp edges of Black life while also suggesting a strategy for how to break through.
Ottawa
They Forgot That We Were Seeds
Feb. 9 to April 19
Carleton University Art Gallery
This show brings together powerful Black and Indigenous women visual artists who reimagine Canadian history to create a decolonized future. You can see the work of artists like Deanna Bowen, Bushra Junaid and Meryl McMaster.
AfroRoots Dance Festival
Feb. 29
Whether you're into Afro Beats or Afro-Brazilian, Soca or Kizomba, this one-day festival has a bit of everything. Programming includes workshops, seminars, symposiums and an end-of-day village celebration.
Peterborough, Ont.
A Lineage of Transgression
To Feb. 23
This exhibition uses film, audio, collage and photocopies to explore the possibilities of language as a tool to undermine, subvert and challenge the way history and systemic institutions have defined Blackness and womanhood. It features work by Kameelah Janan Rasheed and Jamilah Malika Abu-Bakare and is curated by Liz Ikiriko.
Black History Month Proclamation Ceremony Honouring Beau Dixon
Feb. 2
Beau Dixon is a prolific actor, musician and playwright who will be honoured at this event featuring calypso music by Winston Fredick, African dance by Mayelin Lovet and music by the TISA choir. The man of the hour will also perform some music and a reading from one of his plays.
Toronto
Hidden
To Feb. 28
The experience of Black artists with hidden disabilities is explored in this group exhibition. Curated by Gloria C. Swain, featured artists include Tamyka Bullen, Peter Owusu-Ansah and Kyisha Williams.
Documenting Black Families
To March 20
What began as a small Instagram account capturing archival photos from Black families across Kitchener, Ont., has now morphed into a collaborative exhibition featuring archival photographers from England, West Africa, the Caribbean and Canada.
Caroline, or Change
Jan. 31 to Feb. 16
Set in the '60s, this Tony-Award winning musical by Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori arrives in Toronto to tell the story of ordinary people living in the midst of world-changing historical moments. With music that traverses blues, soul, gospel, classical and traditional Jewish melodies, it also marks the musical stage debut of Canada's Queen of R&B, Jully Black.
Handle with Care
Jan. 31 to Feb. 29
Wedge Curatorial Projects is known for discovering some of the most exciting Black visual artists in the world and their shows are always must-see events. This exhibit features the work of Canadian artist Dainesha Nugent-Palache and American artist Adrienne Elise Tarver.
Kuumba25
Feb. 1 - 29
It's the 25th anniversary of Toronto's longest-running Black History Month festival and this edition features an array of exciting programming including workshops hosted by the legendary writer Trey Anthony, dance performances featuring Jon Boogz and Lil Buck, workshops by Yung Yemi and a mural by Krystal Ball.
Black History Month at OCAD U
Feb. 3 - 29
An array of events align under this year's theme of Roots, encouraging audiences to consider the past when envisioning the future.
143 (I Love You)
Feb. 6 to March 28
Thousands of people move through Union Station every day, and throughout February and March commuters will see an exhibition of illustration and photography that explores how Black communities experience love. It features works by Yannick Anton, Ishmil Waterman, Gillian Mapp, Alexis Eke and more.
Black Women in Theatre
Feb. 6 - 8
This year marks the first edition of an event created for Black female playwrights to present their works in progress. Featuring work by Dian Marie Bridge, Paulina Anthony-O'Kieffe, Anyika Mark and more.
Until We Are Free: Reflections of Black Lives Matter in Canada book launch
Feb. 9
Black Lives Matter is a movement that captured the world's attention, and now the experiences of Canadians who fought and organized in this country have been documented in a new book. It includes chapters on the power of art in the pursuit of social justice by Rodney Diverlus, Syrus Marcus Ware and Ravyn Ariah Wyngz.
Toronto Black Film Festival
Feb. 12 - 17
With a special tribute to the legendary Spike Lee (who will be in the house) and screenings of 75 films from across 20 countries, the Toronto Black Film Festival continues to be one of the most exciting events in the city each February.
Building Black Civilizations
To Feb. 23
Ekow Nimako is behind this mind-blowing work of Afrofuturistic world-building. Made entirely out of Lego, the show has been up since September. If you have yet to see it, February will be your last chance to correct that mistake.
Fish and Rum
Feb. 14
Do you know about Newfoundland's connection to ackee and saltfish? Or are you well-versed in Jamaica's connection to Newfoundland screech? This play explores the little-known link between two islands that both love the word "ting."
Montreal
Century Song
Feb.12 - 16
This one-woman show is a musical journey through the stories of Black women throughout the 20th century co-created and performed by the brilliantly talented and internationally acclaimed soprano Neema Bickersteth.
Elles: leurs histoires
Feb. 14 - 15
This photo project brings together Black female writers, directors and actors to discuss their professional journeys and the inherent precarity in the career paths they've chosen.
Afro Drag: Ancestors Past, Present & Future
Feb. 21
Black queer history and performances by Black Drag artists? Sign me up! This is the third installment of Afro Drag, and with narration by Big Sissy and performances by Aizysse Baga and Powetik Justice, it sounds like it's going to be epic.
Conversations Noires: #BlackAbundance
Feb. 22
This conference skips the regular panels and keynotes. Instead, it brings artists, entrepreneurs and community leaders together to share knowledge, exchange resources and connect through visual and interactive art installations.
Iqaluit
The Black History Month Opening Ceremony and Awards
Feb. 1
The Nunavut Black History Society's Facebook page states: "Black History Month may be short but this page makes the most out of the shortest month of the year." With that spirit in mind, they have an event featuring a keynote from celebrated activist Winston La Rose (a.k.a. Mr. Jane and Finch), an awards ceremony and a performance by the Inuksuk High School Dance Crew.
Whitehorse
Yukon African Music Festival
Feb. 7 - 8
This two-day festival explores a range of sounds from across the continent and the African diaspora alongside workshops, drumming, dancing and arts and crafts.
Halifax
Controlled Damage + New Voices Symposium
Feb. 4 - 23
I already wrote about why you should make time to see this play about Canadian Civil Rights hero Viola Desmond, but alongside the play, Neptune Theatre is a doing a one-day symposium on February 8. It features playwright Andrea Scott and b current's Artistic Director Catherine Hernandez. They'll both be dropping knowledge and sharing insight into the play while discussing how to create a decolonized theatre practice.
The Power of Poetry: Celebrating Halifax Poet Laureate Dr. Afua Cooper
Feb. 20
Dr. Afua Cooper is a legend in the literary world. She's written numerous books of poetry, children's books and academic texts, so any chance you get to celebrate her, I say take it! On this evening, a collective of writers will come together to honour her work.
Halifax Black Film Festival
Feb. 28 to March 1
With panels on Black women in film, a dynamic kids program and an opening night screening of Sprinter (by Jamaican director Storm Saulter), this promises to be another memorable edition of the annual film festival.
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