Canada Black Music Archives Announces A Musical Celebration of Black History Month In Toronto

Canada Black Music Archives Announces A Musical Celebration of Black History Month In Toronto

Canada Black Music Archives Announces a Musical Celebration of Black History Month

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2023 CITY OF TORONTO ARCHIVES 255 SPADINA ROAD

4:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Canada Black Music Archives

www.thecbma.com

The Canada Black Music Archive (CBMA) is excited to announce an event in honour of Black History Month, scheduled for February 23rd at the City of Toronto Archives. This musical celebration will feature live performances, an exhibition, a special audio-visual presentation and special guests.

Renowned artists will grace the stage, weaving melodies that resonate with the rich cultural heritage we celebrate during Black History Month.

Artists performing include two Canadian jazz legends: the incomparable singer, Jackie Richardson and legendary jazz composer and pianist Joe Sealy were just added to the lineup; the Canadian Queen of Hip, Michie Mee; reggae/blues icon Jay Douglas; African multi-instrumentalist Kobena Aquaa-Harrison, along with singer, Deanna Jae; jazz vocalist and one of Canada’s most exciting new talent, Joanna Majoko; and award-winning DJ Carl Allen, spinning an exciting mix of Canadian Black musicians. Hosting the evening is Michael Williams, former television personality on MuchMusic.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore a selected collection of music, photographs, interviews, and historical documents, shedding light on the invaluable contributions of Black Canadian musicians. There’s a featured display of African Canadian soul musician Eric Mercury.

Black History Month has been celebrated for decades in the US and Canada; however, it wasn’t until December 1995 that the House of Commons voted unanimously to recognize February as Black History Month, following a motion introduced by MP, Dr. Jean Augustine.

Since then, it has become a crucial period for all Canadians to recognize the diverse histories, cultures, and experiences of Black Canadians. Among our special guests is author and speaker, Rosemary Sadlier, the former executive director of the Ontario Black History Society and long-time advocate for the official acknowledgement of Emancipation Day by various levels of government.

The Canada Black Music Archives is a digital repository of educational information, dedicated to preserving and amplifying the multifaceted and underestimated history of Black Canadian artists. Through its extensive collection of music, photographs, interviews, and historical documents, the CBMA strives to raise awareness about the voices and experiences of Black Canadian musicians. Our aim is to raise awareness and foster a deeper understanding of the contributions made by Black musicians to Canada's cultural tapestry.

CBMA is inviting members of the media, community members, and allies to join us for this special event. Please contact us at info@cbma to confirm attendance or for media inquiries. Together, let's make this event a tribute to the lasting legacy of Black Canadian music.

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