Community connections in the spirit of Ubuntu: Black History Month 2024 events and resources

25 January 2024 - by Ellah Mangwiza and Christina Sanakidis, YMCA of Greater Toronto Managers – Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

This February, we'll continue our annual commemoration of Black History Month in Canada at the YMCA of Greater Toronto. We are grateful to those who have paved the way for this annual celebration, including Rosemary Sadler who proposed to idea, and to the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine who successfully introduced the motion to the House of Commons.

What is Ubuntu?

Our 2024 Black History Month theme is the principle of Ubuntu. This word comes from a South Nguni word that means, "I am because you are, you are because we are." This means that as humans, we are connected and interdependent. Ubuntu is an acknowledgment that our actions, both positive and negative, impact those around us, so we need to support one another to collectively thrive.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto’s mission is to ignite the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. Ubuntu aligns with this mission, as reinforcement that we rely on one another to Shine On. Learn more about Ubuntu from Professor James Ogude, from the University of Pretoria.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto’s Black Experience Staff Advisory Committee compiled their top picks for books, movies and music. Ubuntu teaches us that we belong to a family, a wider community; our peers and the world. We hope that you’ll enjoy the selections below and share them with others. Let the stories and songs connect us this Black History Month and beyond.

Book List — Adults (PDF) | Book List — Youth (PDF)

Storytime Videos — Children (PDF) | Listening/Music List (PDF) | Watch List (PDF)

The YMCA will also host two events that embody the principal of Ubuntu. We encourage you to peruse the events below and join us as we celebrate our connections; to one another, to our histories, and to the future.

2024 Black History Month Events across the GTA

Date	Event Summary
All Month	OCAD U Digital Black History Month Exhibition In person event at Yonge-Dundas Square This exhibit features four artists’ works displayed on digital screens for the duration of Black History Month in February 2024.
Thursday, February 1, 2024	Celebrate Black History Month event In person in Brampton Join the city of Brampton for their official Black History Month event. Stage Schedule coming soon.
Thursday, February 1, 2024	Together We Rise Durham: Black History, Intersectionality and Joy In person at Chestnut Hill Recreation Complex, Pickering This event will showcase talented performers, include refreshments and conclude with a conversation about how Black Joy shapes our lives.
Tuesday, February 6, 2024	Film screening: Summer of Soul (2021) In person at Riverdale Public Library In his acclaimed debut as a filmmaker, Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson presents a powerful documentary; part music film, part historical record created around an epic event that celebrated Black history, culture and fashion.
Thursday, February 8, 2024	In Conversation with the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine Hybrid event: Online and in person at U of T Hart House Join University of Toronto for this moderated conversation followed by questions from the audience.
Tuesday, February 13, 2024	Black History Month Jeopardy Challenge! In person at Riverdale Public Library For school-aged children: Test your knowledge of the history of Black people in Canada and discover who will be the trivia challenge champion!
YMCA of Greater Toronto Events
Tuesday, February 20, 2024	YMCA virtual event: Ubuntu — Creating Community Connections Virtual event from 1 pm to 2pm Join us to learn about programs for Black people, by Black people. This one-hour conversation will benefit everyone. Together, we will explore ways in which individuals are living and working by the Ubuntu philosophy; that each of us is part of a larger and significant society and that together we can connect to improve the world around us. Register now!
Saturday, February 24, 2024	YMCA Black History Month Finale event In person from 11 am to 2 pm at Brampton YMCA Join the team at Brampton YMCA as we come together to celebrate. You’ll have an opportunity to browse local vendors, have a tasty treat and listen to some great music. All are welcome.
Year-round	Museum Tour: Black History In Peel In person at Bradley Museum Book an in-person, guided tour at this 2-acre Mississauga museum at the edge of Lake Ontario. Other tours available include Learning about Indigenous Peoples and Truth and Reconciliation.