Here's what's happening in London for Black History Month
This year's theme in London is 'Black Resistance and Resilience'
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:
Black Excellence with Cameron Bailey
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 1 to 2 p.m. at Western University's McKellar Theatre
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.
History Now! Black Heritage in Southwestern Ontario
Wednesday, Feb. 5, 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Museum London
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.
Black History Month Family Celebration
Saturday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at London Public Library, Central Branch
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.
Early Black Settlements in Oxford County
Monday, Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. at Oxford County Library's Ingersoll Branch
Historian Heather Rennalls will share her research into early Black settlements in Oxford County.
Building Capacity & Resilience in Black-led Organizations
Wednesday, Feb. 12, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Innovation Works
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.
Black History Slam
Tuesday, Feb. 13, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Museum London
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.
4th Annual Essence & Culture Awards
Sunday, Feb. 16, 5 p.m. at Wolf Performance Hall
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.
Discover Your Past: Researching Canada's Black Settlers
Thursday, Feb. 20, 1:30 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. at Oxford County Library's Tillsonburg Branch
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.
Black History Month Gospel Concert
Friday, Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Cathedral
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.
Black History Month 2025 Closing Ceremony
Saturday, Feb. 22, 1:30 to 5 p.m. at Wolf Performance Hall
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.
Food Festival
Saturday, Feb. 22, 5 p.m. at the Carrefour Communautaire Francophone de London, 920 Huron St.
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.
Black Heritage: Our Past, Our Present, Our Future
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 5:30 p.m. at the Canadian Club of London
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 Ebony Ball
Friday, Feb. 28, 7 to 11:30 p.m.
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.