Liberty Silver to headline the City of Vaughan’s virtual Black History Month event
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The annual event will take place on Sunday,
Feb. 13 at 2 p.m.
Black History Month provides an
opportunity to share and learn about the experiences, contributions and
achievements of peoples of African and Caribbean ancestry. The City of Vaughan will
commemorate Black History Month with a special virtual event on Sunday, Feb. 13
at 2 p.m.
This year’s celebration
will be emceed by Emmy award-winning TV host Patricia Jaggernauth and headlined
by multiple JUNO award-winning and Grammy award-winning (collaboration) recording
artist Liberty Silver accompanied by musical director Eddie Bullen. Mayor
Maurizio Bevilacqua will provide greetings and recognition on behalf of Members
of Council.
Additional
entertainment will include:
- a performance by Mo Guzman, solo acoustic artist.
- a poetry and folk song performance by Tania Hernandez, Jamaican folklorist, author, music recording artist, mentor, sponsor and actor in children’s theatre.
- a poetry performance by Jumol Royes, senior communications strategist and storyteller.
- an artist segment by McMichael Canadian Art Collection featuring a discussion with the Chief Curator Sarah Milroy and Gaëtane Verna, director of The Power Plant
- Contemporary Art Gallery, on the history of art by Black Canadian women, viewed from the vantage point of their exhibition Denyse Thomasos: Odyssey.
- a local restaurant segment featuring Caribbean cuisine by Tropical Island Caribbean Restaurant.
- a Vaughan Public Libraries: #BookTok video sharing the covers of recommended books.
- a tribute video recognizing the Honourable Jean Augustine.
Citizens are encouraged
to get involved in this year’s virtual Black History Month event by telling us
about the Black changemakers who have inspired them. To participate, citizens
can record a 10- to 15-second video message sharing their thoughts on a noteworthy
Black Canadian changemaker who has inspired, empowered and exemplified
exceptional leadership in their life or community and the reason why. Video
submissions can be sent to vaughancelebrates@vaughan.ca until Wednesday,
Feb. 2 and may be featured in the City’s virtual event.
Throughout the month of
February, Vaughan Public Libraries will be hosting a
variety of virtual programming and events in recognition of Black History Month:
Black Excellence in STEM Careers and Research
- Monday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m.
- Margaret Ikape, PhD candidate at the University of Toronto, shares her passion for science, her journey and research interests in the fields of Astronomy and Astrophysics.
- Register on Eventbrite.
Celebrate with Stories, Music and Dance
- Friday, Feb. 11 at 10 a.m.
- Join us for a special African Voyage featuring uplifting and energizing stories, music and dance with Njacko Backo. In this interactive performance, students will learn the important role that music, dance and storytelling play in everyday life in Cameroon, Central Africa. For Grades 3 to 6.
- Register on Eventbrite.
Officially
recognized in December 1995 by the Parliament of Canada, and supported by Mayor
Maurizio Bevilacqua during his tenure as a Member of Parliament, Black History
Month is observed across Canada every February. It is a celebration that unites
communities, like Vaughan, and honours the people and communities who have made
lasting city-building – and nation-building – contributions.
QUOTE
"I am pleased to invite members of our community to join us,
virtually, for the City of Vaughan's annual Black History Month celebration on
Sunday, Feb. 13. Each year, this much-anticipated event provides an opportunity
to learn about Black Canadians' compelling stories and their essential role in
the growth and development of our city and country. As we welcome Black History
Month, I encourage you to reflect, recognize and remember the people and events
in the African diaspora that have positively changed the course of history. At
the City, we take great pride in providing an exceptional quality of life,
where everyone is encouraged to reach their full potential, actively
participate in civic life and be treated with respect, dignity and freedom from
discrimination. As one of Canada's most culturally rich and diverse cities, we
are pleased to celebrate the contributions of Black Canadians during Black
History Month and beyond."
- Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
QUICK
FACTS
- Vaughan has a diverse community. In fact, nearly half of the city’s population was born abroad, and 105 different languages are spoken in Vaughan.
- Recognizing history and heritage months and flag-raisings are just some of the many ways the City demonstrates its commitment to fostering a greater sense of community, awareness and appreciation for the diversity of cultures, creeds and faiths that thrive throughout the city.
- For updates and news as they happen, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
LEARN
MORE
- vaughan.ca/events
- vaughanpl.info
- City of Vaughan’s virtual 2021 Black History Month event video
- News release: Mayor Bevilacqua presents Jean Augustine with Key to the City
- News release: City reaffirms commitment to foster an inclusive community
- Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua’s statement on Black History Month
- Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua’s statement proclaiming Lincoln Alexander Day
- City of Vaughan’s 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan webpage
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