Black History Month: Check out these events at UTSC

From their lips performance
Intergeneracial, a Black youth oral history theatre program, performed a play called From Their Lips at U of T Scarborough during Black History Month last year. (Photo by Ken Jones)

Every February, Black History Month is celebrated to acknowledge the achievements, legacies and culture of Black-Canadians.

From a night of slam poetry to entertainment and conversations around the history of art and hair, here are a few ways to celebrate Black History Month with events on campus.

Feb. 5 to Mar. 5

Black Movie Nights

The SCSU will hold Black Movie Nights every Tuesday between Feb. 5 and Mar. 5 at 5 p.m. in the TV Lounge.

The free movie nights are a way to not only catch flicks with talented Black actors, but to learn more about Black history. A conversation will be held after each screening to discuss the themes and messages of the featured movie.

Feb. 6

Exploring a lost art form

Caribbean Connections invites you to take a lesson in wire bending on Feb. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Student Centre (SL 232).

Dwayne Dixon, owner and designer of Suga Cayne Mas, will run a workshop in bending wire, the craft of making traditional vibrant and intricate costumes, along with a discussion on the history of Caribbean Carnivals.

Click here to learn more about the event.

Feb. 11

Don’t Touch My Hair

The second annual Don’t Touch My Hair Workshop will take place Feb. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the TV Lounge.

Hosted by Caribbean Connections, the free workshop will feature discussions on hair styling and care. Featured hair specialists will discuss grooming for a variety of hair styles.

Feb. 13

Black History Month Poetry Slam

Student Life and Hart House presents a night of poetry on Feb. 13 from 5 to 8 p.m. in HW 305.

The competition will feature poems on the Black experience and history. It will be judged by a panel from the audience. The top three performers will win cash prizes.

The night’s featured spoken word performer is Gabrielle Cohen, a Jamaican-born artist whose work revolves around Black power, mental health and self-love.

While registration for the competition has ended, there is still a chance to showcase your talents. Sign up at the doors at 5:15 p.m. on Feb. 15 to be a part of the open mic session.

Feb. 15

Black Joy Banquet

Presented by SCSU, the inaugural Black Joy Banquet will take place on Feb. 15 from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. in the Student Centre.

The semi-formal party will include a three-course dinner and a dance party to celebrate Black History Month.

Click here for ticket information.

Feb. 25

Centred: A Black Mental Health Workshop

Presented by the Future Black Physicians at UTSC, this event will take place from 5-7 p.m. in the Ralph Campbell Lounge.

Feb. 27

Panel on Umoja

The African Students’ Association will host a conference on Feb. 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Meeting Place.

“Umoja,” which translates to “unity,” will be the theme of this year’s panel. The conversation will celebrate the influencers who have shaped, and continue to shape, the Black community with their ideas and voices. The night will feature guest speakers who will share their stories, as well as a question-and-answer session after the talk.

Feb. 28

Black History Luncheon with Masai Uiji (streamed live at UTSC)

Hear from Masai Ujiri, president of the Toronto Raptors and co-founder of Giants of Africa, at the annual Black History Luncheon.

Win front-row seats to the event through their social media contest by showing your community involvement. Enjoy Caribbean music and Afro-Caribbean food at this free event, hosted across all three campuses – streamed live from Hart House on the downtown campus to U of T Scarborough and U of T Mississauga.