There is no shortage of ways to mark Black History Month in Toronto this year. Here’s a few we thought you shouldn’t miss:

  1. Game Changers at Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema (506 Bloor St W): This February, Hot Docs pays tribute to Black cultural visionaries and innovators who inspire us to push ahead at a time of political uncertainty and profound social change. Screenings include I Am Not Your Negro, Winnie, Marley, Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child, Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise and more. Full schedule here. February 11-25.
  2. Celebrate Black Authors at A Different Booklist (777 Bathurst St): Bring the kids for readings and special appearances by Children/YA authors Ndija Anderson-Yantha, El-Farouk Khaki & Troy Jackson and Fartumo Kusow. February 1, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 
  3. Kuumba at Harbourfront (235 Queen’s Quay W): Through dialogue and artistic expression, Kuumba 2018 addresses the international struggle for Black liberation today. This year’s Kuumba is a series of events that runs throughout the month of February featuring the work of photographers, filmmakers and community leaders, including Trey Anthony, Gina Yashere, Alison Duke and more. February 3-24.
  4. Ubuntu Drum & Dance Theatre at Parkdale Branch (1303 Queen St. W: Join us for an exciting performance of Caribbean and African rhythm and dance, performed by the kids of Toronto’s own Ubuntu ensemble. February 2, 7-8 p.m. 
  5. Policing Black Lives at Toronto Reference Library (789 Yonge St): A candid discussion on the complicated relationship between Canada’s Black communities and the police. With Robyn Maynard, author of Policing Black Lives, civil rights lawyer Anthony Morgan and Toronto Star‘s Shree Paradkar. February 6, 7-8 p.m. 
  6. EBONY EXPRESSIONS – Black History Month Celebration ft. Art, Fashion & Music (366 Queen St. E): EBONY EXPRESSIONS presented by #EBEX2018, is a free Black History Month celebration showcasing arts, fashion, music & food. Come experience raffles, live painting, an arts exhibit, African-inspired fashion shows, live music, and Afro-Caribbean food and drink. February 25, 3-8 p.m.
  7. Black HERstory Month Pop-Up (2459 Islington Ave): A pop-up coffee shop celebrating of the contributions of Black women. Speakers include Palmonia Gordon, author of Order It!, and Ogonna Jideobi, creative director of Noble Storytellers. February 24, 7-9 p.m.
  8. 24 Hours of Blackness at OCADU (100 McCaul): This installation sheds light on the practicality of being a Black person and provides a platform to tell the stories shared as a community – all this, through the format of an interactive barbershop. February 9, 5:30-11 p.m.
  9. Black Voices at Isabel Bader Theatre (93 Charles St. W): Hosted by The Black Students Association of the University of Toronto, this is a place for you to connect with other Black individuals who believe in the power of connection, the power of thought, and how it can manifest into action. The theme of this year’s conference is “What’s Next?” February 2, 6-11 p.m.
  10. BRUK OUT! at The Royal (608 College St). The Toronto debut of BRUK OUT! A Dancehall Queen documentary. The raunchy dance craze from Jamaica attracts devotees from around the world, drawn to the scene for its fierce energy, all enveloping embrace and legendary twerking. This film follows half a dozen women overcoming a host of issues to travel thousands of miles to Montego Bay for the biggest title in the land: International Dancehall Queen. Hosted by storyteller, speaker and Toronto personality Bee Quammie. February 16, 8 p.m.