Celebrating Black History Month
Did you know? Toronto was the first municipality in Canada to claim Black History Month in February, in order to honour the cultural heritages, realities, and histories of Black communities. Since then, Black communities have worked to produce events that educate, celebrate and inspire.
We encourage our communities to take a moment to learn about Black histories in Canada and Toronto. Whether it’s art installations, teach-ins or other celebrations, there are many opportunities to learn more.
Here are a number of events and resources to help you mark this important month.
Sherbourne Health resources
- Supporting Our Youth (SOY): The SOY program runs Black Queer Youth, a weekly drop-in group that celebrates Black queer and trans people’s experiences and accomplishments. SOY programming has also included Limin, an intergenerational virtual cooking program for Black and 2SLGBTQ community members. The group’s recipe zine can be read here, as well as on the SOY website.
- Rainbow Health Ontario: Health in Focus: Racialized 2SLGBTQ Health
- Newcomer Health: The Welcome Package helps new clients receive important information that may be helpful in their resettlement process. The package is available in eight languages.
- On February 27, Sherbourne Health’s community groups Mature Trans Sisters and Trans Fusion Crew will co-host a movie night themed for Black History Month.
- Throughout Black History Month, our community groups will be running themed drop-ins under the theme “Black Innovation is Resilience.”
Events
- City of Toronto Events Calendar – a wide ranging list from all across the city
- All month long: Kuumba: The Harbourfront Centre’s Black Futures Month Festival
- Tuesday, February 6 from 6 – 8 p.m.: 519 Community Centre’s Black Health And Wellness Hub (monthly program)
- Thursday, February 16 from 6 – 9 p.m.: Black Health Leaders Recognition Ceremony
- Saturday, February 17 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.: TAIBU Community Health Centre’s Black History Month Celebration
- Thursday, February 28: Black Futures Month celebration by The Corner and partner agencies. Takes place on Wednesday, February 28 from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Wellesley Community Centre.
Community Groups and Resources
Year-round, Sherbourne Health and other organizations are committed to Black health and wellness. Check out a few groups making a difference in our neighbourhoods: