Healthy Communities • Healthy Living
The Y celebrates Black History Month 2021
28 January 2021 - by YMCA of Greater Toronto
Every February, The YMCA of Greater Toronto welcomes our community to participate in the month-long celebration of Black Canadian accomplishments of the past, present, and future.
A lot has changed since we last gathered for Black History Month. Living through a pandemic has put a tremendous strain on many of us and the disproportionate impact on Black communities cannot be ignored. Many people are now learning about the anti-Black racism that has been affecting our communities for centuries.
This year has been challenging mentally physically, and emotionally so our approach to Black History Month is rooted in wellness. Our aim is to uplift and empower Black communities; to envision a future where we can all thrive.
Our theme this year is “I Care, You Care, We Care.”
I Care encourages members of Black communities to prioritize self-care and healing.
You Care provides aspiring allies with opportunities to learn about the experiences of our Black community members and what role you can play in making a difference.
We Care represents the power and possibilities when we come together to challenge inequalities to make a better future for everyone.
Join us for a series of VIRTUAL events all month long:
Dance Class: Feel the Power of Black History with Triston
Wednesday, February 10
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm
Join this fun energetic class filled with hip-hop, African, and Caribbean dance moves. Move with Triston to some cultural beats that highlight the power of Black History.
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tcO6srjMjGd0mlmgvI8XEHN-L_P57yjtV
Building Wealth in the Black Community
Friday, February 12
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Join YMCA members and volunteers Eric Quashie (financial advisor) and Chevron Hopkinson (real estate agent) for a discussion about building wealth and real estate investment in the Black community.
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcuf--rqDMrG9TpsABY8CZsP_7UXWgPV0Ef
Cultural Storytelling Night
Friday, February 12
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
A family-friendly gathering to share cultural stories and Afro-Caribbean traditions that have been passed down through generations. Learn about and share family histories and ancestral journeys.
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEqdeysrTojGNV3LPcBdbZ90iLZ43cXPNbk
Black Futures: Youth Leadership for Social Change (Sponsored by ADVICA Health)
Wednesday, February 17
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Cheyenne Sundance (food justice advocate), Devon Jones (educator), and Shanice Teape (co-chair YMCA Youth Advisory Committee) discuss systemic issues, and how investing in youth can create a brighter future.
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcpcuysrjgoE9dlHGc3XB7JcywkLjctRCge
Curating the Anti-Racist Library
Thursday, February 18
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Special guests Shevaun Pierre (entrepreneur), Bee Quammie (writer) & Laurel Taylor-Adams (Toronto Public Library) speak about literature that celebrates Blackness, and creating an anti-bias library for children in your classroom or at home.
Live Stream on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YMCAGTA/videos
My Past, Present and Future
Monday, February 22
12:15 pm – 1:00 pm
Hear the voices of newcomers from Black communities as they share their migration experiences & stories of the past, present and hopes for their future in a new country.
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcvduygrTMiGtdFxNp7SEFMLVYIGe8v7HiI
Black 2SLGBTQ+ Champions
Tuesday, February 23
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
They are scholars, artists, educators, community leaders, human rights advocates, and changemakers. Join us to celebrate inspiring Black 2SLGBTQ+ champions within our communities.
Presented in partnership with the YMCA of GTA Pride Committee.
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIscumqqTkjGNG7Ym8JIs4aVb1-_wZTR8q_
Black Joy: A Celebration
Friday, February 26
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Join the YMCA for a celebration of arts and culture in Black communities across the GTA. The event will include song, dance, drumming and a very special performance by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra featuring the groundbreaking works of Black classical composers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nu0rXKSSw9c&feature=youtu.be
A lot has changed since we last gathered for Black History Month. Living through a pandemic has put a tremendous strain on many of us and the disproportionate impact on Black communities cannot be ignored. Many people are now learning about the anti-Black racism that has been affecting our communities for centuries.
This year has been challenging mentally physically, and emotionally so our approach to Black History Month is rooted in wellness. Our aim is to uplift and empower Black communities; to envision a future where we can all thrive.
Our theme this year is “I Care, You Care, We Care.”
I Care encourages members of Black communities to prioritize self-care and healing.
You Care provides aspiring allies with opportunities to learn about the experiences of our Black community members and what role you can play in making a difference.
We Care represents the power and possibilities when we come together to challenge inequalities to make a better future for everyone.
Join us for a series of VIRTUAL events all month long:
Dance Class: Feel the Power of Black History with Triston
Wednesday, February 10
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm
Join this fun energetic class filled with hip-hop, African, and Caribbean dance moves. Move with Triston to some cultural beats that highlight the power of Black History.
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0tcO6srjMjGd0mlmgvI8XEHN-L_P57yjtV
Building Wealth in the Black Community
Friday, February 12
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Join YMCA members and volunteers Eric Quashie (financial advisor) and Chevron Hopkinson (real estate agent) for a discussion about building wealth and real estate investment in the Black community.
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcuf--rqDMrG9TpsABY8CZsP_7UXWgPV0Ef
Cultural Storytelling Night
Friday, February 12
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
A family-friendly gathering to share cultural stories and Afro-Caribbean traditions that have been passed down through generations. Learn about and share family histories and ancestral journeys.
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEqdeysrTojGNV3LPcBdbZ90iLZ43cXPNbk
Black Futures: Youth Leadership for Social Change (Sponsored by ADVICA Health)
Wednesday, February 17
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm
Cheyenne Sundance (food justice advocate), Devon Jones (educator), and Shanice Teape (co-chair YMCA Youth Advisory Committee) discuss systemic issues, and how investing in youth can create a brighter future.
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcpcuysrjgoE9dlHGc3XB7JcywkLjctRCge
Curating the Anti-Racist Library
Thursday, February 18
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Special guests Shevaun Pierre (entrepreneur), Bee Quammie (writer) & Laurel Taylor-Adams (Toronto Public Library) speak about literature that celebrates Blackness, and creating an anti-bias library for children in your classroom or at home.
Live Stream on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YMCAGTA/videos
My Past, Present and Future
Monday, February 22
12:15 pm – 1:00 pm
Hear the voices of newcomers from Black communities as they share their migration experiences & stories of the past, present and hopes for their future in a new country.
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcvduygrTMiGtdFxNp7SEFMLVYIGe8v7HiI
Black 2SLGBTQ+ Champions
Tuesday, February 23
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
They are scholars, artists, educators, community leaders, human rights advocates, and changemakers. Join us to celebrate inspiring Black 2SLGBTQ+ champions within our communities.
Presented in partnership with the YMCA of GTA Pride Committee.
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIscumqqTkjGNG7Ym8JIs4aVb1-_wZTR8q_
Black Joy: A Celebration
Friday, February 26
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Join the YMCA for a celebration of arts and culture in Black communities across the GTA. The event will include song, dance, drumming and a very special performance by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra featuring the groundbreaking works of Black classical composers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nu0rXKSSw9c&feature=youtu.be
