Black History Month 2015, Publishers Top 5 picks

Published on Thursday, February 5, 2015 - 00:00

No other time of year do we have so many Black Canadian focused cultural events happening across Canada than in Black History Month. February is jam-packed with events, more than you could possibly attend.

Here are my Top 5 Picks of events happening in Toronto during February 2015. The best ones are happening this weekend!

Jan 31 - Feb 22 TWISTED - Twisted is an urban take on the popular Charles Dickens book, Oliver Twist. The play is co-written by Charlotte Corbeil-Coleman and Joseph Jomo Pierre, with the production supported by TD as part of the “Then and Now” series presented by B.A.N.D. (Black Artists’ Networks Dialogue). I expect this play to be modern, edgy and relatable to most Black Canadians. Click here to read more about the outspoken playwright.

Feb 06 - REDEMPTION - Celebrating 15 years of delivering the best of Reggae and Dancehall music, the excitement being, “who is going to be the surprise guest”. Past surprise guests have included Baby Cham, Macka Diamond, Lady Saw, etc. I think this edition will satisfy Reggae lovers inside the Sound Academy.

Feb 07-08 - KUUMBA - For the 20th anniversary, the festival which is now part of the TD Then and Now Series, features an eclectic array of Black Artists; namely Esie Mensah, Dwayne Morgan, Kenny Robinson, and so many more. This year Kuumba festival focuses on Afrofuturism, a vibrant and historic cultural aesthetic that has and continues to shape art, music, fashion, literature, film and much more. Harbourfront Centre hosts the festival.

Feb 07 - LAUGHING OUT LOUD - The Americans are coming!! Popular comedian Faizon Love of “Real Husbands of Hollywood” fame, joins his American counterparts Capone and Rob Stapleton. Also on the bill Toronto's own 'Men of Comedy' Jay Martin, and crowd favourite Trixx. The Metro Convention Centre’s John Bassett theatre houses this all-star comedy show.

Feb 10 - 15 - TORONTO BLACK FILM FESTIVAL (TBFF) - Packed with over 30 films depicting black realities from around the globe and a variety of breathtaking special events, the TBFF opens with a film by Executive Producer Spike Lee, and pays tribute to Blaxploitation icon Fred “The Hammer” Williamson and Hollywood legend Bill Cobbs. There are various screenings and event locations.

Last modified on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 - 12:29

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

By Roger Dundas

Roger Dundas is the publisher and co-founder of ByBlacks.com, Canada's number one online magazine for Black Canadians. A Toronto-based entrepreneur with a background in marketing, PR, and accounting, Roger had a clear vision: build a platform that finally centred Black Canadian stories the way they deserved to be told.

He launched ByBlacks.com in February 2013 alongside his wife and editor-in-chief, Camille Dundas.

Roger's instinct has always been to show up where the community needs support. When the pandemic hit and restaurants across the country were struggling, he launched ByBlacks Restaurant Week in 2021 to spotlight Black-owned food businesses and bring them new customers. He also partnered with One Vision, One Voice in 2019 to develop culturally relevant resources for Black families navigating the child welfare system.

His work has earned recognition at the highest levels. ByBlacks.com has received multiple national ethnic media awards, including the 2017 Innovation Award from the Canadian Ethnic Media Association and a special commendation from former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. In 2016, Roger was honoured with the Black Business and Professional Association's Men of Honour award and was named one of SHIFTER's Top 20 Outstanding Black Men in Canada.