February recognizes Black History Month worldwide.
FEBRUARY 1 THE ETOBICOKE CIVIC CENTRE WILL commemorate Black History Month African Heritage 2025 with the raising of the Pan-African Flag at the Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall. The Celebrating Our Mosaic ceremony runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to celebrate the culture, heritage, and contributions of people of African descent. There will be special presentations, entertainment and refreshments. All is welcome.
FEBRUARY 1 BLACK HISTORY MONTH RECEPTION, Art Exhibition & Ujamaa Marketplace from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Newmarket Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford Street, in a free event emceed by Emily Mills, award winning founder of How She Hustles. There will be entrepreneurs in health and wellness, technology and supply chain industries. Also drumming, dance and spoken word performances. Featuring a gallery exhibition highlighting this year’s theme, “I and I, I Wanna Rule My Destin.” meet local Black-owned businesses offering unique cultural products and services. Organized by the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association.
Black History Month was introduced in Parliament by former MP Jean Augustine.
FEBRUARY 6 VICTORIA UNIVERSITY HONOURING Dr. Jean Augustine at the Isabel Bader Theatre as part of Black History Month celebrations. Jean was the first Black woman elected as a Member of Parliament and appointed as a federal cabinet minister. Her accomplishments include having the month of February officially recognized as Black History Month. A professorship will be created in her name. Tickets are $100. Contact vic.alumni@utoronto.ca
FEBRUARY 8 A CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for an inspiring evening filled with soulful gospel music at Lyric Theatre, Meridian Arts Centre, 5040 Yonge Street. U of T’s Faculty of Music and the Toronto School of Theology present a powerful musical journey featuring traditional and contemporary gospel pieces, dynamic drumming by the U of T West African Drumming and Dance Ensemble, and an electrifying gospel rhythm section.. For more e-mail music@utoronto.ca. Tickets also available at Ticketmaster.
FEBRUARY 18 BLACK HISTORY afternoon event for seniors at 1 p.m. drumming. Food and Culture Caribbean at 2:30 p.m., entertainment 3:30 p.m. To register contact erica@lampchc.org, call 416-252-6471 ext. 246 or rosema@lampchc.org ext. 257
UNTIL FEBRUARY 18 FREE DRUMMING WORKSHOPS at 1 p.m. at LAMP CHC for a free African drumming workshops and let the rhythm take control. Come unleash your inner groove and connect with fellow music lovers. For more e-mail erica@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471 ext. 246.
FEBRUARY 22 JEAN AUGUSTINE CENTRE’s Black History Month Celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Famous People Players, at 343 Evans Avenue. The celebration features special guests, performances, brunch vendors and more. Tickets are $40 at Eventbrite starting January 29. Proceeds will support the Centre and its programs and workshops for young women aged 7 to 17 in Etobicoke and GTA.
FEBRUARY 8, 15 and 22 BLACK HISTORY MONTH New Words at Colborne Lodge with renowned poet Desiree McKenzie as she creates poetry that responds to racism, colonialism, Indigenous land and gender inequities. Takes place 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the Colborne Lodge Museum, 11 Colborne Lodge Drive. For more info e-mail clodge@toronto.ca or call 416-392-6916
FEBRUARY 28 BLACK HISTORY MONTH MAJESTIC WARRIORS the veteran roots reggae band and guests will perform reggae music at Jj’s Bar & Grill at 2814 Lake Shore Blvd. W., near Islington Avenue, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.. All is welcome to this dance and cultural vibrations event. Tickets $12.