What to do for Black History Month as a student
Here’s a list of what students can do to honour and participate in the awareness and celebration of Black History Month.
As Black History Month rolls around the corner, Black communities and other supporting groups are offering a variety of captivating events designed to increase awareness, uplift the Black community, and commemorate the rich history that surrounds the individual lives and experiences of its members. Here is a list of different events across Mississauga and Toronto that celebrate the importance of Black History Month:
- Join the International Education Centre for the “Our Stories” program, where a panel of Black international students are invited to discuss personal narratives, pieces, and shared experiences, to commemorate the awareness of this month. Students from all three UofT campuses are invited to register. The event will be free and hosted on Zoom on February 7, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- The Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office (ARCDO) and the Hart House are presenting a screening of Steadfast: The Messenger and the Message, a movie about Black women’s voices and leadership rules in institutionalized spaces, followed by a discussion of the film. The film and discussion will be centred around Black women’s journeys of hope and determination within their professional careers. Faculty, staff, students, and the general community are invited to register. The event is free and is hosted at the Great Hall, Hart House, 7 Hart House Circle at the University of Toronto, St. George campus, as well as online on Zoom on February 8, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Also offered by the ARCDO is the Black Healing Circle event, where participants are welcome to share and discuss personal stories and experiences that allow them to feel more liberated in school and community settings. The endurance of racial discrimination and trauma and the amplification of Black voices and movements will be focused on during the discussion. Students, staff, and faculty at the University of Toronto who identify as members of the Black community are invited to register. The event is free and hosted on Zoom on February 13, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- The Mississauga City Hall is hosting the second annual Black Excellence Awards, an event made to recognize and congratulate members of the Black community. The evening will include keynote speakers, musical performances, and an award ceremony where Mississauga’s Black residents can be nominated for health, youth, community, legacy, and business-related awards. To attend, students can easily commute for ten minutes by car or 25 minutes by bus from campus. The event is free and is hosted at the Mississauga City Hall, Great Hall on February 23, 2024, at 7 p.m.
- WellFort Community Health Services is hosting its annual Black History Month event, where the organization strives to showcase Black excellence and talent. In efforts to promote health and wellness, on-site health services are provided by health experts, as well as dance performances and Afrocentric children’s activities throughout the event. Students can reach the venue from UTM in about a half-hour by car. The event is free and is hosted at the Malton Community Centre on February 17, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- A software company called BusyQA, introduces its Leap Black History Month Celebration, where participants can immerse themselves in an experience filled with music, dance, and cultural performances, as well as various guest speakers. The event focuses on the experiences and heritage contributions of the Black tech community. UTM students can reach the event in 15 minutes by car or 40 minutes by bus from campus. The event is free and is hosted at 600 Matheson Boulevard West, Unit 5 in the Venture X building on February 24, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Freedom Mas Band prepares for a fun-filled carnival experience celebrating Black culture and community. Live performances from talented artists, immersive and interactive workshops, delicious food and drinks, and more will be offered as Black History is celebrated through vibrant activities. The event is a short 17-minute drive from campus for students to attend. The event is free and is hosted at the Small Arms Inspection Building on February 25, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- NxN Events presents its Black History Month Networking & Vendor Event, where individuals can support local vendors and connect with members of the Black community. A wide selection of unique products and services that reflect Black heritage and culture offered by Black entrepreneurs will be available for purchase. Students are encouraged to take a trip to Toronto for a lively evening to attend this event. The event is free and is hosted at the Jamaican Canadian Association in North York on February 3, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- St. Andrew’s Church is hosting Songs & Stories, where the Jordan Klapman Quartet will perform evocative soulful songs about living as a Black person. Accompanied by personal stories, the quartet will discuss their rise as musicians and how the classical songs personally influenced their musical journeys. Students, friends, and family are welcome to attend. The event costs $33 and is hosted at St. Andrew’s Church on February 23, 2024, from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Spice Food and Wine Group presents a night of wine tasting, where Black winemakers, their history in the business, expertise, stories, and personal highlights will all be recognized and celebrated. Wines available for tasting come from Canada, the US, South Africa, and more. Wines can be paired with the Caribbean and West African snacks that will be provided. Individuals of legal drinking age and older are welcome to attend. The event costs $35 and is hosted at the Fork York Visitor Centre on February 21, 2024, from 6 pm. to 10 p.m.
These are some of the many events hosted this month in honor of Black History and the culture, livelihood, and community that it represents. Students are encouraged to check these out and invite their friends where possible to help spread the word and appreciation for this significant month for the Black community.
