5 Black History Month events to enlighten, educate, entertain in York Region

Cooking workshop, movies, celebration and drum show planned

Yorkregion.com
February 7, 2020
Simone Joseph

There’s plenty of events to choose from this month if you are looking to become enlightened, entertained or educated during Black History Month.

1. Movies: Harriet and Black Soul -- Feb.11 (Markham).

The Markham Public Library presents Oscar-nominated film, Harriet and National Film Board of Canada movie, Black Soul.

The library will screen two films to celebrate Black History Month. The library will show a special free screening of Harriet (rated PG-13) and Black Soul, an animated short by Martine Chartrand. It follows a young boy as he takes a look back at his heritage. Free popcorn, cookies and drinks will be provided. Attend for the chance to win a secret prize.

This event runs 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Milliken Mills Library, 7600 Kennedy Rd. No. 1, Markham.

2. Celebration: Third Annual Black History event -- Feb 15 (Richmond Hill)

The York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities invites you to join its 3rd Annual Black History celebration event.

This event aims to celebrate "the success of our black families by building stronger black communities in YR". The theme this year is Unifying and Supporting the Next Generation.

Enjoy hearing a panel of Black York Region Influencers and mentors, as they share stories of their journeys.

This program provides life skills through an African centered rites of passage process, utilizing the Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles). There will be opportunities to network with many York Region public service agencies and community organizations. This event is for the entire family. There will be a black marketplace, drumming, entertainment and children’s area. The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

This is a free event at Richmond Green Secondary School.

For more information, contact Ann Marie, vice-chair of YRAACC, at 647-280-9879 or info@yorkregionaacc.ca, or to learn more about York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities, visit www.yorkregionaacc.ca.

3. Cooking Workshop and Social: Afro-Caribbean -- Feb. 21 (Newmarket)

Join Chef Maxine Knight, culinary program director for York Region Food Network, during this interactive cooking demo examining the theme 'What does our food history look like?'. In this workshop, participants will go on a culinary journey from pre-colonial African food to modern day Caribbean Cuisine as they taste their way through the islands and share stories, experiences and recipes. If you need assistance, please call 905-953-5300, ext. 2844 or 2846. Space is limited, so register early.

The event is 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the Newmarket Recreation Youth Centre (56 Charles St.) This is free and family friendly. You must register in advance. Sponsored by the York Region Food Network.

4. Being Black in Canada -- Feb. 20 (Aurora)

In Conversation 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Aurora Public Library, 15145 Yonge St.

Join journalist Brock Weir for a panel discussion about the challenges and celebrations experienced by black people today. Topics discussed will include race and economic mobility, systemic discrimination and the arts and culture scene. Free.

5. Mystic Drumz -- Feb. 29 (Bradford West Gillimbury)

Travel back in time with Mystic Drumz and learn about some of the very first African instruments. In this interactive show, children explore percussion instruments and their rhythms. Explore different drums and more, with crafts after the show. Space is limited. This event is free with the support of the Friends of the Library and in partnership with the Bradford West Gwillimbury Diversity Action Group. The event runs Feb. 29 at 11 a.m. at Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library, 425 Holland St. W.