February marks Black History Month in Canada. Throughout this month and all year round, TD is proud to help celebrate and amplify Black voices and to facilitate opportunities for reflection, recognition, and understanding about our collective past as we work together towards making a positive impact for our future.
One of the ways the Bank does this is by supporting arts- and culture-focused community organizations through the TD Ready Commitment, the Bank's corporate citizenship platform. Why? Because arts and culture can be powerful tools to amplify diverse stories and underrepresented narratives.
"Arts and culture have the unique ability to bring people together, creating spaces where understanding and belonging can thrive,” said Alicia Rose, AVP, Social Impact at TD.
“Through the TD Ready Commitment, we're proud to support initiatives that celebrate Black voices, inspire dialogues, and nurture stronger community connections through the transformative power of creativity."
So, if you’re interested in getting involved with Black History Month, we've compiled a list of some programs from organizations that are supported through the TD Ready Commitment and are available to the public in Canadian cities this February.
Also listed is the "Transit In Time" free art exhibit taking place in Toronto at Union Station, an event celebrating Black artists and cultural legacy supported by TD Bank Group. Below you can learn more about the many cultural events with descriptions provided by the organizations. You can learn more about how TD is supporting Black communities by visiting td.com/marchforward.
PRAIRIES
Calgary
Ethnik Festival of Arts and Culture | February 21 & 22, 2025
Ethnik Festivals is a non-profit organization that celebrates Afro-Canadian, Caribbean, and international cultures through vibrant art, music, and educational programs. The Ethnik Festival of Arts and Culture (EFAC) 2025 is an annual Black History Month Celebration that creates platforms for Afro-Canadian/Caribbean individuals, groups, and collective creators to showcase their unique cultural identities to communities throughout Canada. This year, the festival is featuring an array of artistic performances, cultural art displays, and empowering discussions. Go for the food and art and stay for the music and rich discussion.
Regina
Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum: Black History Month Events | February 1-28, 2025
The museum will host multiple events throughout February, including its yearly African Canadian/Black History Month launch at the MacKenzie Art Gallery on February 1 at 2 p.m. and a wrap event hosted by the Lieutenant Governor on February 28. Learn more on the museum's website.
ONTARIO
Oakville
Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton: Black History Month Celebration | February 1-28, 2025
The Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton provides a full month of activities for community members of all ages and ethnicities across Halton Region to celebrate Black History Month. Events feature local Black Caribbean and African professionals and community-based artists, authors, filmmakers, historians, and facilitators. From keynote speeches to musical performances, there is something for everyone. Find an event near you to participate.
Toronto
Culchahworks Arts Collective: Global Marley 2025 | February 8, 2025
Celebrate the 80th anniversary of reggae icon, Bob Marley! The Global Marley concert will feature the music of Marley performed by some of the finest regional Canadian artists in a wide cross-section of styles other than reggae to highlight the universality of Marley's music. From humble roots in Jamaica, Marley wrote songs that spread messages of peace and love, as well as resistance.
Black History Month Tours: Celebrations & Revelations 2025 | February 28, 2025
The WE ARE COUNTRY music event will showcase Canadian Black country musicians including Julian Taylor, Tania Joy, Kunle and Ahi who will be performing iconic songs from blues, folk, and roots music. Taking place at the Globe and Mail Centre in Toronto on February 28, these country singers show us that genres of music don’t belong to a specific race. Arrive at 6:30 p.m. for a short reception with the concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. Support Black country artists and find tickets here today.
Harbourfront Centre: KUUMBA | February 1-28, 2025
Harbourfront Centre’s KUUMBA Festival is Toronto’s largest and longest-running Black Futures Month Festival. This year, KUUMBA celebrates its 30th anniversary. This legacy milestone honours a festival that has been a vital platform for celebrating Black futures, embodying joyful expression through the vibrant integration of artists, creators, and audiences in the multidisciplinary fields of music, theatre, dance, spoken word and more. On February 6, Jay Douglas and the All Stars will be performing a special tribute on what would have been Bob Marley's 80th birthday.
Obsidian Theatre Company: Table for Two | February 7 – March 2, 2025
Obsidian Theatre Company and Soulpepper Theatre are co-producing the world premiere of Table for Two by Akosua Amo-Adem. Table for Two is a candid exploration of the digital dating landscape, where swipes, likes, and matches collide with cultural traditions and personal aspirations. With razor-sharp wit and unflinching honesty, the play invites audiences to join Abby on her journey as she confronts the complexities of romance, identity, and the pursuit of happiness in the 21st century. TD is proud to be the 2024-25 Season Sponsor. To learn more about Table for Two and other upcoming productions, please visit Obsidian Theatre Company.
Toronto Black Film Festival (TBFF) | February 12-17, 2025
Now in its 13th edition, the Toronto Black Film Festival (TBFF) is devoted to sharing new ways of presenting unique Black voices by looking at the world through film screenings, concerts, panels, exhibits, workshops, live performances, and networking opportunities. TBFF showcases outstanding Black films while creating a space to debate major cultural, social, and socioeconomic issues. The opening film Fight Like a Girl by Matthew Leutwhyler debuts on February 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Isabel Bader Theatre. Head to the TBFF website to learn more.
Toronto Public Library: Black History Month Programming | February 1-28, 2025
The Toronto Public Library honours Black History Month with programs, reading lists, and podcast episodes that shine a spotlight on Black history and culture. Discover free in-person events and conversations with best-selling and award-winning Black authors, musicians, and historians that amplify Black voices and honour Black history. Be sure to check out the events that are immersive blends of interactive storytelling, music, and creative activity meant for kids.
Union Station: “A Transit Through Time” Free Art Exhibit | February 12 – August 31
"A Transit Through Time” features a six-artist group exhibition co-curated by Union and MakeRoom Inc. as well as a special featured project by renowned artist Jordan Sook, “Nothing More Nothing Less.” The entire exhibition reminds viewers that everyone is part of the past, and are responsible for shaping the future. Completely free to the public, stop by Union Station in downtown Toronto to celebrate Black artists, their cultural legacy, and learn about culture through art. For more information visit Union Station's website here.
Union Station: TD Music Celebrates Black Excellence | February 25
Head to Union Station in downtown Toronto for special musical performances by Savannah Ré and Aiza on Tuesday, February 25 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the West Wing of Union Station. Savannah Ré is a three-time JUNO Award winner and Aiza brings a trending fusion of Afropop and R&B/soul in terms of sound.
QUEBEC
Montreal
Black Theatre Workshop: Vierge | February 12 – March 2, 2025
The Black Theatre Workshop is Canada’s longest running Black theatre company committed to reflecting Black culture and community, and spotlighting Black Canadian artists. From February 12 until March 2, the theatre will be putting on Vierge by Rachel Mutombo. The play’s synopsis follows 16-year-old Divine whose only real friend is Jesus. When her family joins a new church, she learns that the world around her is not as it seems. With heart and humour, Vierge follows four Congolese Canadian girls as they navigate Christianity, virginity, and teenage hormones. Learn more on the Black Theatre Workshop website here.
Fondu au Noir / Fade to Black | February 4-8, 2025
Now in its 14th year, Fondu au Noir / Fade to Black includes concerts, film screenings, panel discussions, and visual arts workshops for participants of all ages. Created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation, this festival will be bringing together well-known figures from Quebec and Canadian culture to celebrate Black History. Learn more on the festival website.
Orchestre classique de Montréal (OCM): Distant Echoes of Africa | February 6, 2025
The Orchestre classique de Montréal (OCM) is one of Canada's most established chamber orchestras. As part of Black History Month, the OCM is honouring Afro-descendant composers and artists with a concert, Distant Echoes from Africa, to profile artists such as Canadian-Cameroonian soprano Suzanne Taffot, and Panamanian-American conductor Kalena Bovell. This concert will feature the works of Afro-British composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor and African American composers George Walker and William Grant Still.
Quebec City
Forum Jeunesse Afro-Québécois: Festival d'Arts Afro-québécois | February 6, 2025
Since 2018, the Afro-Quebec Youth Forum has been organizing Black History Month events and activities aiming to showcase young people of Afro-Quebec descent who are arts and culture advocates. This annual event hosted by the Forum Jeunesse Afro-Québécois (FJAQ) spotlights emerging artists and acts as an opportunity to introduce these artists to the larger Quebec community. Learn more about this year’s theme, "Common Struggles," and how art can be a formidable tool for engagement. Visit the event website.
Gatineau
Canadian Museum of History: An Evening with Bruny Surin | February 26, 2025
The Canadian Museum of History is Canada’s largest museum of human history. The museum will host an in-person public event that will delve into Bruny Surin's remarkable post-athletic endeavors, including his impactful work with the Bruny Surin Foundation and the Surin Group. From Olympic champion to entrepreneur and philanthropist, Bruny's inspiring success story makes him the perfect guest for the museum's Black History Month celebration. Learn more on the museum's website.
ATLANTIC
Halifax
Discovery Through the Arts: Celebrations & Revelations 2025 | February 12, 2025
The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is Canada’s sixth national museum with a mission to share the ongoing story of immigration to Canada—past to present and coast to coast. In association with Joy Bullen, Culturepreneur, the museum will present We Are Country: Julian Taylor, a concert with country/roots artist Julian Taylor. With a soulful voice and captivating stage presence, Taylor’s unique blend of blues, roots, and folk music has earned him a growing fanbase and critical acclaim not only in Canada, but also in Europe and the U.S. Learn more about the concert at the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21.
Halifax Public Libraries | January 23-February 28, 2025
As part of African Heritage Month, Halifax Public Libraries will be hosting more than 70 unique and inspiring events in partnership with community members and organizations, including food demonstrations, song, dance, spoken word, author readings, panel discussions, art exhibits, and children story times. Find an event near you to celebrate and support Black communities, and also to remember, recognize, and reflect on the past.
Halifax Black Film Festival | February 21-24, 2025
The Halifax Black Film Festival is dedicated to giving unique voices in cinema the opportunity to present audiences with new ways of looking at the world. The 9th annual festival will be kicking off February 21 and packed with a lineup of diverse and innovative Black cinema you won’t want to miss. Visit the Halifax Black Film Festival website to learn more and support incredible Black talent and listen to powerful stories.