Toronto – Throughout Black History Month, Torontonians are encouraged to experience and discover how Toronto has influenced hip hop across the world through an exhibition, panel discussion and other planned events.
Mayor Olivia Chow proclaimed February as Black History Month, launching the City of Toronto’s annual celebration of Black Canadians’ heritage, traditions and culture.
Toronto was the first Canadian municipality to proclaim Black History Month 46 years ago which has since become a national event to address enduring gaps in history, the humanities and science. The month recognizes contributions of Black Canadians to education, medicine, art, culture, public service, economic development, politics, human rights and more.
Featured Black History Month events include:
Canadian Cyphers: Elements of Toronto Hip-Hop (Monday, February 3 to Friday, February 28)
This Toronto Archives and Canada Black Music Archives (CBMA) “Canadian Cyphers: Elements of Toronto Hip-Hop” exhibition provides a portal into those who built the Toronto hip-hop scene and the four elements that set the genre apart. Explore album covers, photographs, turntables and more.
The exhibit will also feature items from Toronto’s iconic 100 Miles brand and an audiovisual display featuring a mix of live performances and interviews from hip-hop’s early days. Free for all ages at the Toronto Archives, 255 Spadina Rd.
CBMA Black History Month Showcase (Friday, February 21 from 6 to 9 p.m.)
This evening will shout out Toronto’s hip-hop history live with a special appearance by legendary duo Dream Warriors. Their global hit, “My Definition of a Boombastic Jazz Style”, helped put Toronto on the international hip-hop map.
The event will also feature a live performance by innovative Toronto emcee Mathematik. Masters of the mix set to spin between sets include DJ Carl Allen, DJ DTS, and Joey from Sound Quest. Those attending can aexplore the Canadian Cyphers: Elements of Toronto Hip-Hop Exhibit and music video screenings. Pre-registration is required. Free for all ages at the Toronto Archives, 255 Spadina Rd.
Before the 6ix: What is the Toronto Sound? (Tuesday, February 11 from 6 to 8 p.m.)
Toronto hip-hop legends Saukrates, Keysha Freshh and Solitair will discuss Toronto’s hip-hop “sound” with hosts Del F. Cowie and DJ Agile. Free to all ages. Toronto Reference Library, Bram and Bluma Appel Salon. Advance registration recommended.
Sojourn (Saturday, February 1 to Wednesday, February 26)
The Flying Bushman’s (Boloebi Okah) Nigerian heritage radiates through his paintings of vibrant landscapes, tropical birds and women in colourful headdress. Okah’s distinctive style radiates joy, peace and energy, expressing a free spirit infused with the essence of Nigerian culture. Free for all ages located at Cedar Ridge Creative Art Centre, 225 Confederation Dr.
Toronto History Museums
Multiple City museums will provide events during the month including a two-week residency with spoken word poet Desiree Mckenzie at Colborne Lodge and a photo exhibit highlighting black citizens of North York and Toronto at Gibson House.
List of Black History Month events
A comprehensive list of in-person and online events and activities can be found on the City’s Black History Month webpage.
10-Year Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism
A renewed 10-Year Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism, coming in 2025, will build on the achievements of the inaugural five-year Action Plan and the leadership and recommendations of Toronto’s Black communities. This five-year Action Plan was the first of its kind in North America. More information about the City’s work to confront anti-Black racism is available on the City’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism website.
The City’s Black History Month proclamation is available to view at the Proclamations webpage.
“February is Black History Month. We honour the history and ongoing contributions of Black changemakers, leaders and innovators, who have shaped our city and the world. As we appreciate Black heritage, traditions and culture, we must also recognize and commit to ending anti-Black racism, discrimination and oppression – in all its forms. Toronto is the most diverse city in the world. We celebrate the Black communities who call this city home and add to our cultural diversity.” – Mayor Olivia Chow