Marking its 24th year, the London Black Heritage Council is inviting London-area residents to share their experiences and learn about the local Black community through events and gatherings for Black History Month.

This year's theme is Black Resistance & Resilience: Overcoming Adversity and Thriving, said Carl Cadogan, chair of the council, formerly known as the London Black History Coordinating Committee.

In choosing a theme, Cadogan said the council landed on resistance but wanted to build on what members had done in the past.

"We built a lot of the programming around how best to strengthen the community in London," he said. "It's not just entertainment and education, but really, aspects that can tend to and hopefully will help to strengthen the Black community in London."

"We want to celebrate the longevity and the work we've done. It's been volunteers coordinating and making things happen for a long time, with support from a lot of institutions and organizations in London."

It's important that people want to learn more about local Black history, he said, adding, "It's the collective history of the London area."

"Come out and enjoy and experience some activity, and learn more about your neighbours and people who have shared this city for hundreds of years."

Here are some of the events taking place in the region for Black History Month:

Join Western's Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for a one-hour talk by Western alumnus Cameron Bailey, the CEO of the Toronto International Film Festival, about his personal experiences, including curating and running the world's largest public film festival.

Celebrate Black History Month with a roundtable of curators and historians featuring guests from the Amherstburg Freedom Museum, Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, Oxford County Archives, Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society and more.

Join the London Public Library to celebrate the richness of Black history and culture. There will be local artists showcasing music, dance, and storytelling, as well as games, crafts, and workshops for the whole family. Presented in partnership with London Public Library, London Police Services, Children's Museum, and the City of London.

Historian Heather Rennalls will share her research into early Black settlements in Oxford County.

An event hosted by Pillar Nonprofit Network and the London Black Heritage Council aimed at raising awareness about the important work done by organizations that are led by and serve members of the Black community. It will feature a panel discussion and roundtable conversations with representatives from notable Black-led organizations.

Join in the 2nd annual Black History Slam for an evening of music, poetry and community with the theme, Roots and Rhythm: Celebrating Black Legacy in London. Enjoy poetry with headliner Eddie Lartey, music by Tiffany Chantelle and a panel discussion.

Join the London Afrocentric Community Association for the 4th annual awards ceremony, aimed at uniting London's many Black communities by recognizing the contributions of nominees and award recipients, organizers say. The theme is "I Am Essence & Culture." Tickets are $45.

February's Discover Your Past session will focus on researching Canada's early Black settlers. Learn skills related to genealogy. Virtual options are also available.

London's historic St. Paul's Cathedral plays host to an inspiring gospel concert by the London Gospel Collective and a teaching of redemption and restoration by Carl Cadogan about London's fugitive slave chapel.

Hosted by the London Black History Coordinating Committee and London Public Library, the closing ceremony will showcase a vibrant lineup of Black artists featuring dance, spoken word and music. After the ceremony, enjoy cuisine from a local Black-owned restaurant. Tickets are between $10 and $15.

Enjoy the tastes and smells of London's Black Francophone community with Carrefour Communautaire Francophone de London. The festival, Célébration du Mois de l'Histoire des Noirs, will feature diverse cuisine and traditions, highlighting the richness of Black Francophone heritage in the community. London musician Willy Aristide will perform. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids 12 to 18, and free for children under 12.

Hear perspectives on Black history and heritage in a panel discussion as members of the African Diaspora share their lived experiences and knowledge. Tickets cost $25.

The Congress of Black Women of Canada's London Chapter honours heritage, unity and empowerment with its annual Ebony Ball fundraiser. Ticket prices and location to be announced.