Black history month: What’s happening in London

Free events ranging from history games to lectures will take place this month to honor the contributions of Black Canadians to London.

The theme of 2024’s celebration of Black history month that begins Thursday is Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate, a Future to Build. It acknowledges the legacy of Black predecessors in Canada while supporting the goals of a new generation.

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Here’s a roundup of events celebrating Black history month happening in the city in February and March:

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Opening celebration

What: To kick off the month, Museum London is hosting Shannon Prince, retired curator of the Buxton Museum, and jazz and soul singer Denise Pelley for a reflection on Black history and slavery in Canada. A performance from London keyboard ace Steven Holowitz will follow the presentation.

After the performance, Matthew Lloyd, curator at the Norwich and District Historical Society, will introduce the Black History app, a virtual library where people can learn about Black historical figures. Tea audience will be invited to participate in the demonstration.

When: Saturday, Feb. 3. from noon to 4 p.m.

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Rental: Museum London, 421 Ridout St. N.

Family program

What: The Byron branch of the London Public Library is marking Black History Month with a day of activities. In the morning, families can enjoy storytelling, dancing, games, crafts, Black History trivia, a scavenger hunt and prize giveaways. In the afternoon, a talent showcase with young musicians, singers, artists and the London Kids Community Gospel Choir will take place. The performance will be followed by a hair braiding program geared to tweens and teens. The event happens in partnership with the London Black History Co-ordinating Committee.

When: Feb. 10. The event starts at 10 am The talent showcase goes from 11 am to 11:45 am and the hair braiding program from 2 pm to 4 p.m.

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Rental: Byron library branch, 1295 Commissioners Rd. W.

Concerts

What: The London Gospel Collective and the London Kids Community Gospel Choir will perform at First-St Andrew’s United Church. Donations are accepted, but not required.

When: Sunday, Feb 4, 6 pm

Rental: First-St Andrew’s United Church, 350 Queens Ave. at Waterloo Street

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What: Black History Slam, a celebration of Black history and heritage through spoken word and music. The event will also have a community panel discussion featuring community members, leaders, artists and educators.

When: Thursday, Feb 29. from 6 pm to 7:30 pm

Rental: Museum London, 421 Ridout St N.

Readings

What: Speak on It! Talk by former governor general Michaëlle Jean about recognizing and appreciating the plurality of Black expertise and experiences.

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When: Thursday, Feb. 29.4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Rental: Western University community center McKellar room.

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What: Local History Speaker Series: Almost Forgotten: Black History in Oxford County

When: Wednesday, March 1 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Rental: Tillsonburg branch of the Oxford County Library, 2 Library Lane, Tillsonburg

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Learning

What: Black history games. Learn while having fun. Children age eight or older, will learn through games about Black historical figures and then share what they’ve learned. Registration is required.

When: Tuesday, March 12.

Rental: East London Library branch, 2016 Dundas St.

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