5 ways to celebrate Black History Month in York Region

Art, education, a hair and culture workshop, community appreciation awards and a Caribbean dance performance and workshop in February.

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 1, 2024
Simone Joseph

There are a wide variety of events and activities for Black History Month taking place across York Region.

Here are 5 ways you can join the celebration.

Black History Month reception, art exhibition and Ujamaa Marketplace
The reception from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. will feature live entertainment, featured guests, a keynote address, dance, spoken word and more. Keynote speaker is businessperson and entrepreneur Wes Hall from the popular TV show "Dragons’ Den."

The Ujamaa Black-Owned Marketplace runs from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., where you can meet and buy from talented local artisans.

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 3

WHERE: Newmarket Old Town Hall (460 Botsford St.)

COST: Free admission. For tickets/registration, click Here

Black History Symposium: Black History is Canadian History
The BLK Futures event explores the value of Black Canadian history in our education system (virtual and in-person). It will include keynote presentations from acclaimed artists and educators from the five-time Canadian Screen Award-winning documentary series, "BLK: An Origin Story."

Educators and community members passionate about bringing Black Canadian history to a wider audience are invited to connect with like-minded leaders.

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. -- 5 p.m.

WHERE: Hazelton Manor, 99 Peelar Rd., Vaughan

COST: Free, but for tickets and registration, click Mobile eTicket

'Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow' exhibit at Richmond Hill Public Library’s Central Branch
Artist Ehiko Odeh examines what she calls “evolving narratives surrounding Black hair care” in her exhibit that runs until the end of February.

Odeh will also host two related events: a Zoom meeting on Feb. 5 for school-age children and teachers and a collage workshop at the branch for children ages nine to 15 on Saturday, Feb. 10. Participants will explore the fascinating history of hair fashion and the cultural significance of various hairstyles. Youth at the collage workshop can experiment with collages, talk about what beauty means to them and what makes them feel beautiful.

WHEN: Feb. 5, 10 and all month for exhibition

WHERE: Richmond Hill Public Library, Central Branch

COST: Free, but registration is required for both workshops

City of Markham and Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association Community Appreciation Awards
Recipients will be recognized by the City of Markham during the 27th annual Black History celebration event. Keynote speaker is Cherryl Lewis, executive director of the African Canadian Christian Network. This year's theme is Stemming from the Motherland: Nurturing Future Innovators.

WHEN: Feb. 14 from 11 a.m. -- 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: Cornell Community Centre, 3201 Bur Oak Ave., Markham

COST: Free admission

Caribbean Fusion
Get your Caribbean Fusion on with a performance by the DOAHL Academy. Then join a dance workshop and learn some of the moves. Whether your vibe is hip hop, African or contemporary, this workshop promises to be a fun, all-ages event.

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 17 from 3 -- 4 p.m.

WHERE: Aurora Public Library

COST: Free admission