City of Toronto Black History Month Activities
Yesterday, Mayor John Tory proclaimed February as Black History Month in Toronto, recognizing the history, heritage and contributions of African-Canadians in the city.
Residents are encouraged to take part in the programs the City of Toronto has planned, in addition to any virtual community-based programs and events that are taking place. To comply with current orders and regulations to help stop the spread of COVID-19, recognition and celebratory programs and events will be held virtually this year.
A listing of several Black History Month events and how to access them is available at toronto.ca/blackhistory/.
To commemorate Black History Month, the City’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism (CABR) unit will use their Twitter account to highlight the great work being done by some of the community-based agencies and groups that the City has partnered with to support Black residents in need throughout the pandemic.
More locally in the area, MP Marco Mendicino’s Office is inviting participating in an online initiative they are putting together to highlight members of the local community on Facebook. If you are interested in participating, email a copy of your pictures and a brief description to marco.mendicino@parl.gc.ca. Please include a little blurb about yourself, letting them know a little bit about you, your involvement in the community, and something you’re passionate about. Please also include a picture of yourself in front of your business, organization, or doing the thing you’re passionate about.
Additionally, please save the date for Councillor Colle's 17th Annual Black History Month Virtual Celebration taking place on Thursday, February 25th at 7 pm on Zoom. This year's virtual event continues with tradition, celebrating the remarkable contributions of Black Canadians. It will feature special performances from some of our great local artists and community leaders: Jay Douglas, Letna Allen-Rowe, Adrian Hayles, Valerie Steele, and PC Ojo Tewogbade. Please RSVP to councillor_colle8@toronto.ca OR (416) 338-0008 to receive a Zoom link, which will be sent closer to the date.
The City strives to create and sustain equity in government to serve and reflect all people, and is implementing positive change in its workforce and communities to achieve access and realize equitable outcomes for all residents.
To help achieve these systemic changes, the City developed the Toronto Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism. The plan was unanimously adopted by Toronto City Council and is being implemented by the CABR unit. More information about the action plan, milestones achieved and the City’s commitment to anti-Black racism is available at http://www.toronto.ca/abr/.
Reference: https://www.toronto.ca/news/city-of-toronto-proclaims-february-as-black-history-month/
Updated February 12, 2021