Celebrate Black History Month in Richmond Hill

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 7, 2022

esidents are invited to take part in a variety of local activities throughout the month of February to honour the contributions and achievements of Black Canadians.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

Feb. 7-28 - Young Artist Showcase: Join a public outdoor art exhibit showcasing work by emerging Richmond Hill-based artist Brandon Baghaee and other local youth artists Jasmin Nicole, Shadrack Abatan and Ehiko Odeh. Artwork will be on display along the Richmond Green Heritage Walkway.

Feb. 15 - D.O. Gibson: A Canadian rapper, record label executive and a socially active community ambassador, Gibson talks about Canadian Black history leaders, including Viola Desmond and Josiah Henson. This free virtual presentation is interactive, encouraging the audience to rap along to a melody. Registration opens Monday, Feb. 7. Learn more at RichmondHill.ca/Arts.

Feb. 22 - Dwayne Morgan: A two-time Canadian National Poetry Slam Champion, founder of Up From The Roots Entertainment and the Toronto Spoken Soul Festival, Morgan touches on the Black experience in the present and future. He shows how ordinary people have shaped the world, reminding us that we all have a role to play in advancing society. Registration for this free virtual speaker series opens Monday, Feb. 7. Learn more at RichmondHill.ca/Arts.

EVENTS FOR SCHOOL

Richmond Hill Public Library is offering opportunities to learn about the perspectives and contributions of African Americans to Canada's culture and history. Educators can book a selection of Black History Month virtual programs and class visits at RHPL.ca/BlackHistory.

Feb. 9 -- Ekiuwa Aire: Award-winning author of "Idia of the Benin Kingdom" and "Njinga of Ndongo and Matamba," Aire helps young students (Grades 1-2) discover ancient kings, queens and landmarks in this workshop on African culture and history.

Feb. 16 -- Antonio Michael Downing: Register your high school class (Grades 9-12) for a virtual visit with activist Antonio Michael Downing, author of "Saga Boy: My Life of Blackness and Becoming."

For more information about these and other arts and culture events, visit RichmondHill.ca/Arts.