By: Nicki Reid, Bilingual BA
This year the Government of Canada commemorates Black History Month with the theme: “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations”. The website also provides information such as: Organizations and educational resources on the history of Black communities in Canada, The legacy and impact of organizations led by Black women in Canada, and more. To explore more, follow this link.
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
The Art Gallery of Ontario is putting on various events during the month of February. One of them is for families being held over the family day long weekend starting on Friday, February 14 - Monday, February 17 at 10:30 am - 4:00 pm. Some of the highlights will be a DJ dance party, kid-friendly tours, live dance performances, storytelling, arts and crafts, all-you-can eat pancakes in the Bistro, and more. The AGO is located at 317 Dundas St. W, Toronto, ON M5T 1G4. Admission is free for AGO Members, Annual Pass Holders, and visitors under the age of 25. Click here for more information.
The other event is a hip hop dance battle for youth that will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025 from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Walker Court, Art Gallery of Ontario. Free with Gallery Admission. Visit here for more details.
Kids Fest TO
Kids Fest TO is also happening over the Family Day weekend at the International Centre located at 6900 Airport Rd. Mississauga, ON L4V 1E8. Starting on Saturday, February 15, 2025 - Monday, February 17, 2025 from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Some feature attractions of this indoor event are: a petting zoo, live entertainment, mini putt, games, face painting, food, and more. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit the website here.
The Toronto Black Film Festival (TBFF)
The Toronto Black Film Festival (TBFF) is holding several workshops for children (ages 4 - 12) and families that goes beyond film on Monday, February 17, 2025. Located at Carlton Cinema (Carlton II) 20 Carlton St. Toronto, ON M5B 2H5. You can enjoy Kemetic Yoga, arts and crafts, storytime, dance, and more. See further details here.
The Harbourfront Centre
Kuumba - “Toronto’s largest and longest-running Black Futures Month festival” is happening throughout the month of February with various events. While catered towards a more mature crowd, KidSpark is available for children 10 and under. KidSpark is a learn-through-play experience offered at the Harbourfront Centre. They will be operating on their extended holiday schedule for the Family Day weekend - Saturday, February 15, 2025 - Monday, February 17, 2025. For their hours and more details, visit here.
The City of Toronto
The Toronto Public Library (TPL) not only has upcoming events for Black History Month, but also podcasts, reading lists, and more; check them out here. The City of Toronto is hosting a pop up event, “Black Girls Dance Too” on Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm for ages 6 and up. In addition to the dance portion of the event, there will also be a button making and bookmark making station as well as light snacks. This event is on a first come, first serve basis. To see more offerings from the City of Toronto, click this link. If you live outside of Toronto, I encourage you to visit your local libraries to see what programs they may be running for Black History Month as well as books that highlight our rich and diverse history.
In closing, I want to leave you with a gentle note. While we honour our history, celebrate how far we’ve come in the present, and look forward towards the future, it can be a painful reminder of the horrific things that our ancestors endured. Take deep care of yourself, this month, today, tomorrow, and everyday.
Wishing you a beautiful month; stay warm, healthy, and be well mama.
Nicki Reid, Bilingual BA
Certified Transformational Coach | Certified Essential Oil Specialist |
Certified ARōMATOUCH Practitioner | 200 YTT , Wholesome Mind Health Coaching