2022 Black History Month Invite
Join us virtually on February 26!
We invite you to join us virtually to honour Black history, celebrate Black excellence in our membership and discuss how we can organize to overcome racism, discrimination and social challenges.
Don’t miss live performances, guest speakers, and our keynote on mental health and COVID-19 and how both have disproportionately affected Black youth.
Taking action goes way beyond Black History Month – we must make a real commitment to witness real change.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, February 26, 2022
Time: 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Come dressed in your best!
Make sure to like us on Facebook and get a notification when the event starts!
We look forward to seeing you virtually! There will be tons of prizes we will be giving away during the event so don’t miss out.
Performers
Nigel Birch Jr. is a writer, poet, host, love and mental health advocate. He’s a melting pot of cultural experiences, which can be heard and seen through his artistry. His depth and introspection are felt on every stage and page he touches.
Nigel writes from the standpoint of love and identity, bringing a new perspective to loving yourself and others. A wordsmith with clever wordplay, metaphors, breadth of experiences, and passion provides audiences with truth, inspiration and optimism.
Simone Banton (Queen Banton) was raised in Kingston, Jamaica, where she became exposed to music from a tender age. Her appreciation and passion for music ignited her love for genres such as Negro Spiritual, Gospel, Reggae, Country, Rhythm & Blues and Soul. Queen moved to Toronto in 1993 and became involved in the music industry, subsequently launching her business in 2000 that focused on developing and promoting talents locally and internationally. She has worked with various non-profit organizations in Canada and internationally, assisting with various projects and raising funds to support those in need.
Queen (Simone) adopted the name Queen Banton hoping to encourage Black individuals to embrace who they are and know that “they are fearfully and wonderfully made by the Most High purposed to become outstanding achievers and a blessing to others”.
Tania Hernandez, aka Miss Tania Lou, is a “bawn Jamaican” and proudly calls herself a “Jamacana,” being a Canadian citizen. She is a jack of all trades and a master of many – a teacher, Jamaican folklorist, author of three books, music recording artist, mentor, sponsor and actor in children’s theatre at City Kidz in Hamilton, Ontario.
She tirelessly gives of her time, talents and resources to the field of special education, to philanthropic efforts to raise funds for worthy causes in Jamaica, USA and Canada, and to the arts to promote her rich Jamaican heritage.
Her contributions to her local and global communities won her a nomination at the 6th annual Women Who Rock Awards 2021 for her outstanding achievements.
Dr. Nadine Wong is a wellness practitioner, business owner, author, motivational speaker and mental health advocate. Nadine immigrated from Jamaica and has called Canada home for over 30 years. Not only does Nadine own and operate Alabaster Wellness Clinic, but she’s also written three books, developed a line of wellness and beauty products and in 2010 founded the Alabaster Gate Children’s Charity.
Afiwi Groove School is Durham Region’s award-winning, African Arts performing company which focuses on all artistic genres of the African Diaspora. The school is a leader in the Black community for providing programming for all ages that promote positive self-esteem, confidence and an active lifestyle, while educating and connecting participants to the vibrant and rich culture of Africa
The Afiwi Groovers are a professional performance team whose mission it is to preserve and promote African dance as a medium to inspire, entertain, and affect social change. They perform a variety of dance genres that reflect the African Diaspora. They have been extensively trained by acclaimed local and international choreographers. They represent the essence of the school and the talent that is being developed.