City of Brampton to celebrate Black History Month

The City of Brampton will recognize and celebrate Black History Month throughout the month of February with community activities and educational programming.

The activities and programming will kick off on Feb. 1 as the City honours Black trailblazers with live performances, speakers and a vendor market at Brampton City Hall.

The event will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and will feature live performances, the Mayor’s Making Black History Awards, Brampton’s Present Black History Makers and remarks by Mayor Patrick Brown, Chief Stacey Laforme; Afro-Indigenous speaker, Myrna Adams; Elder, Marjorie Taylor and Keynote speaker, Zanana Akande.

It will also offer the opportunity for attendees to support local Black businesses, shop at the Black Makers Market and sample authentic Afro-Caribbean food and beverages.

“The City honours the many achievements and contributions of the Black community who, throughout history have done so much to make Brampton the liveable, compassionate and prosperous city it is today,” reads the City of Brampton’s website.

On Feb. 10, residents are invited to join the City of Brampton’s Equity Office for a panel discussion on Race and Education – the Black Experience.

The event will take place at the Rose Theatre from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and feature a two-and-a-half-hour event with expert panellists who will be a “jumping-off point to create long-lasting, impactful strides toward equity and inclusion within the city, starting with Education.”

Panellists include Charline Grant, Chief Advocacy Officer, Parents of Black Children, Phiona Lloyd-Henry, Coordinating Principal, Peel District School Board, Kathy McDonald, Peel Region School Board Trustee, Wards 3 and 4 and Idris Orughu, Parent Advocate.

Throughout the month of February, the Brampton Library will also be hosting a series of events and programs, including African drumming on Feb. 4, Ian Williams in conversation with Jael Richardson on Feb. 8, an Overview of 400 years of Black History in Canada with Channon Oyeniran on Feb. 11 and a Black artisan market on Feb. 18.

The Rose Theatre will also feature shows throughout the month of February in celebration of Black History Month. These include Blackness as Prophecy: A Pre-Show Spoken Word Workshop for Freedom Cabaret and Freedom Cabaret on Feb. 5, This is Brampton: HYPE Showcase on Feb. 9, This is Brampton: Stand Up Stitches: Underground Comedy Railroad Tour on Feb.11, Jay Martin Comedy Series on Feb.18 and Flavours & Vibes on Feb. 23.

“City staff and members of the community have partnered in developing a meaningful program that honours the contributions of the Black community across the city and beyond,” said Mayor Patrick Brown.

“Through recognizing Black History Month, we are given a special opportunity to connect, reflect, and celebrate. I invite everyone to participate in activities throughout the month and look forward to welcoming the community to City Hall for our launch event on February 1.”