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Take part in Black History Month in London

Organizers working to showcase Black History Month in London are making music, discussion and food a priority as they highlight achievements in the community. 

There are multiple events in February open to all members of the public

CBC News ·
London Black History Coordinating Committee has planned a series of events for the month of February.
London Black History Coordinating Committee has planned a series of events for the month of February. (Submitted by London Black History Coordinating Committee)

Organizers working to showcase Black History Month in London are making music, discussion and food a priority as they highlight achievements in the community. 

They hope all Londoners will take the time this February to learn more about the Black leaders in the city, while taking stock of the challenges of being Black in Canada. 

"February offers the community an opportunity to gather, share in cultural celebrations and expressions, learn more about our neighbours, gather with people of many backgrounds and ages, while breaking down barriers and stereotypes that regrettably, still exist among many," said organizer Carl Cadogan.

Here are the top 2024 Black History Month events:

Feb. 3 | Opening gala

  • This free event takes place at Museum London between 1 - 4 p.m. Cultural groups will showcase their work and art. 

Feb. 10 | Pan drumming, talent show and hair braiding 101

Woman braids hair.
The community is invited to learn hair braiding techniques at a free library event this month. (Olivia Lapperière-Roy/Radio-Canada)
  • At the Byron Library branch starting at 10 a.m. The morning is for families with singing, children's gospel choir, steel pan drumming and storytelling. There's also a talent show starting at 11 a.m.
  • At 2 p.m., learn the history of hair braiding, how to prepare your hair and how to maintain your braids. Space is limited so register in advance in person or by calling 519-661-4600. 

Feb 12 | Tap dancing legend Joey Hollingsworth

Joey Hollingsworth recieved the Ontario Black history Society's first Lifetime Achievement Award.
Joey Hollingsworth recieved the Ontario Black history Society's first Lifetime Achievement Award. (CBC)
  • Join a conversation with Londoner Joey Hollingsworth about his dancing that took him around the world and saw him appear on television, including on the Ed Sullivan show. He spoke to CBC London recently about his connection to the late film director Norman Jewison. Hear him speak at 5 p.m. at the Huron University College Great Hall.

Feb. 18 | New documentary on the former Fugitive Slave Chapel 

a church
The refurbished 174-year-old Fugitive Slave Chapel is now on display at the Fanshawe Pioneer Village. (Colin Butler/CBC News)
  • The African Methodist Episcopal Church, known as the Fugitive Slave Chapel, is now on display at Fanshawe Pioneer Village. Watch filmmaker Anthony Sherwood's new documentary about the church at the Lecture Theatre at Museum London, starting at 2 p.m.

Feb. 21 | The Lewis Coray Trailblazer Awards

Lewis Coray, black and white photo of him in a uniform in 1951.
Lewis Coray was the first Black police officer in London hired in August 1951. (@lpsmediaoffice/Twitter)
  • The London Police Service is recognizing youth from African, Caribbean and Black communities through the Lewis Coray Trailblazer Award. Citizenship Judge Rochelle Ivri will be the guest speaker. The community is invited to attend at 6:00 p.m. at RBC Place London. 

Feb. 22 | Hidden history of Hamilton Road

London's Elite Black Women's Baseball team in a 1923 photo.
London's Elite Black Women's Baseball team in a 1923 photo. (London Public Library)
  • London public historian Zahra McDoom, alongside other speakers, will highlight some of the lesser known stories from this area in London, including the 1923 Elite Black Women's Baseball Team. The talk is at the Crouch Library Branch starting at 7 p.m. 

Feb. 23 | Black History Now panel discussion

  • Black History Now: Our People, our Stories, our Perspective is a discussion featuring a multi-generational panel. The event is in partnership with Pillar Nonprofit Network taking place at 5:30 p.m at Innovation Works London.

Feb. 24 | Festival of food

A takeout container filled with two types of rice, fried plantain, and meat in a deep red sauce.
Nigerian dishes and other specialties from cuisine across Africa will be available. The entry cost is $5 per person. (Dwight Lugay)
  • Celebrate African cooking with all of its smells and flavours at a tasting held at the Carfour Communautaire Francophone de London (CCFL) starting at 5 p.m. The cost is $5 per person. 
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