Attend the City’s signature Black History Month event today
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Join us at City Hall at
2 p.m. to reflect on the experiences, contributions and achievements of Black
Canadians
Black Canadians and their communities have been vital in shaping
Canada’s heritage and identity. Black
History Month provides the City of Vaughan with an opportunity to reflect,
learn and educate citizens on the experiences, contributions and achievements of
Black Canadians and the many diverse Black communities.
Today, you’re invited to attend the City’s signature Black History
Month event, emceed by CP24’s Eden Debebe, at Vaughan City Hall (2141 Major
Mackenzie Dr. W.), from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. It will feature:
- remarks from Mayor Steven Del Duca.
- a keynote address from the Honourable Jean Augustine, passionate educator, lifelong public servant and nation builder, and a recipient of the Key to the City of Vaughan.
- a vocal performance from Glenn Marais, JUNO nominated singer and songwriter.
- a spoken-word performance from Jumol Royes, poet, storyteller and member of the City’s Addressing Anti-Black Racism Special Advisory Committee.
- an overview of the City’s Addressing Anti-Black Racism Community Engagement Action Plan.
- a steel pan drum performance.
The City will continue to commemorate Black History Month throughout
February including hosting multiple events. Details are as follows:
MONDAY, FEB. 13
Join Vaughan Public Libraries (VPL) – virtually – for Black Excellence in STEM Careers: Diversity in Engineering. This special showcase features a presentation by Gary Thompson,
P.Eng., electrical engineer and energy specialist. As an engineering
practitioner and advocate for diversity in engineering, Gary will share his
experiences and opportunities for success in the STEM field. Watch live via
Zoom at 7 p.m. Register to participate.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22
Watch a special screening of Steadfast: The
Messenger and the Message, an autobiography based on the
life and exploits of the Honourable Jean Augustine, at the City Playhouse
Theatre (1000 New Westminster Dr.), from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Further details will
be posted to vaughan.ca/culture as they become
available.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22
Kids in grades three through seven are invited to attend VPL’s Kids'
Book Club Read – New Kid by Jerry Craft – at the Dufferin Clark Library (1441 Clark Ave. W.) at
6:30 p.m. The book tells a story of a 12-year-old African American boy who
experiences culture shock when joining a private school. Learn more about this session.
TUESDAY, FEB. 28
VPL will host Between the Lines: A
Book Club about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at the Pierre Berton Resource Library (4921 Rutherford Rd). Beginning
at 7 p.m., you’re invited to join and discuss The Skin
We're In by Desmond Cole – a book about the injustices
faced by Black Canadians, including racist policing, the failing education
system and discriminatory immigration laws. Register to participate.
These are some of the ways
the City of Vaughan is celebrating Black Canadians during Black History Month. To
learn more, visit vaughan.ca/culture.