Join us in celebrating Black History month to mark the many achievements and contributions made by Black Canadians, which have helped shape Canada into the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation it is today.
This year, the Town of Aurora is collaborating with a local organization, Aurora Black Community, to highlight the contributions of Aurora’s Black community. To experience and participate in the full range of events, please join the Aurora Black Community Facebook page, which is open to everyone.
The Aurora Black Community Facebook group has been a source of inspiration, celebration and resources for all residents who wish to come together as a community and celebrate the diverse culture of Aurora. Led by Aurora resident and Entrepreneur Phiona Durrant (STRONG), Ron Kellman and Rebekah Murdoch, the group is organizing events and activities throughout the Town of Aurora during the month of February to celebrate Black History Month.
| Youth Art Winners! | ||||
Photo Gallery: Call for Youth Art will appear here on the public site.
Aurora Black Community and the Aurora Museum & Archives collaborated to create a Call for Youth Artwork in support of our inaugural Black History Month celebrations. Youth in our community were encouraged to create works of art celebrating diversity and Black excellence through a variety of mediums including visual art, poetry, spoken word, music, dance and digital or media arts. Thank you to all who submitted great pieces or art. |
2021 Event Schedule
| Tuesday, February 2 |
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Black History Month Proclamation The Mayor and Members of Council proudly approved the Black History Month Proclamation, which formally expresses the importance of celebrating Black History Month as a Town. Time: 7 p.m. Location: Online, Town of Aurora General Council Meeting |
| Wednesday, February 3 |
Gospel Music: a Canadian Perspective Explore how gospel music continues to have a vibrant presence in Canada and is in the DNA of popular music. Presentation, Q&A, with Professor Karen Burke, Department of Music. In collaboration with The Scholars' Hub @ Home Speaker Series. All welcome! You do not have to be a student or alumni of York to attend. This event is made possible by York University, The Scholars' Hub at Home Speaker Series, and the Aurora Public Library. Time: 12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. |
| Thursday, February 4 |
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This event will highlight prominent Black Canadians, based in Ontario, from the past right up to present day. Join us to discover some familiar and some not-so-familiar Black Canadians who have been integral to our culture, whether it was through acting, art, music, or food. Time: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Location: Online, Aurora Black Community Facebook Page or watch the livestream on YouTube
Presenting Dr. Cheryl Thomson Dr. Thompson is an Assistant Professor at Ryerson University in the School of Creative Industries. She is the author of Beauty in a Box: Detangling the Roots of Canada's Black Beauty Culture and Uncle: Race, Nostalgia and the Politics of Loyalty. This event is made possible by the Canadian Council for the Arts, The Writers' Union of Canada, and the Aurora Public Library. Time: 7 p.m. Location: Online, Register for the event |
| Friday, February 5 |
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Cooking Demonstration - The Culinary Traveller Travel through the Caribbean and land in Barbados where we learn to prepare Pelau, a hearty one-pot rice dish. Led by Chef Maxine. In partnership with York Region Food Network. This event is made possible by the York Region Food Network, Ontario Trillium Foundation and the Aurora Public Library. Time: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Location: Online, Register for the event |
| Saturday, February 6 |
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In association with the Aurora Film Circuit, Aurora Black Community has partnered with the Steering Committee Chair, Nelia Pacheco, and Town of Aurora Councillor, Sandra Humfryes to curate a series of films with the objective of providing historical accuracy, education and fair representation of Black culture. The focus of these discussions is to educate, bring cultural awareness, identify unconscious biases, examine cultural differences, and much more. Join us tonight for a live review and discussion of the first episode of Self Made (2020), a mini-series that is inspired by the true story of African American entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker who began her life as a child of former slaves and went on to build a haircare empire that made her America’s first female self-made millionaire. If you haven’t had a chance to see the show, please watch it ahead of time on Netflix. Time: 7 p.m. Location: Online, Aurora Black Community Facebook Page or watch the livestream on YouTube |
| Tuesday, February 9 |
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Community Member Spotlight Appreciation and recognition encourage participation and growth. Each week, one person from the community will be highlighted as part of our Black History Month Celebration. Thank you to the Trureal organization, and CEO Horace Thomas, for supporting the Community Recognition Spotlights. Time: 10 a.m. Location: Online, Aurora Black Community Facebook Page |
| Thursday, February 11 |
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Aurora Black Community has a vision of bringing people together over food. The expression “breaking bread” means more than just eating; it is sharing a sense of brotherhood, with someone or a group of people. When sharing a plate of food with a stranger, you always find out more about yourself. Food provides the perfect comfort-zone to bring unity and bridge cultures while allowing us to connect with others who do not look like us or speak like us. During this live cooking demonstration, you will learn cooking tips and food preparation tricks that are prominent in local Black cultures, explore local grocery stores selections and learn about local Black Restaurants. There will be grocery gift basket giveaways and more! Time: 6:30 p.m. Location: Online, Aurora Black Community Facebook Page or watch the livestream on YouTube |
| Friday, February 12 |
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Everyone should know how to manage their debts and save money. Black communities play an essential role in the economy, but in comparison to other cultures, many struggle with financial wellness. Join us for these financial education sessions that identify gaps, provide solutions, and share strategies to overcome barriers in the areas of mortgages, investments, life Insurance, business insurance, savings, debts, credit history, and much more. Guest Speakers: Calvin Chan, Jeff Eddos, Kim Leacock-Ambrose and Jonathan Ho, Client Manager, Group Underwriting, National Accounts, Sun Life Time: 10 a.m. Location: Online, Aurora Black Community Facebook Page or watch the livestream on YouTube |
| Tuesday, February 16 |
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Appreciation and recognition encourage participation and growth. Each week, one person from the community will be highlighted as part of our Black History Month Celebration. Thank you to the Trureal organization, and CEO Horace Thomas, for supporting the Community Recognition Spotlights. Time: 1 p.m. Location: Online, Aurora Black Community Facebook Page
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| Thursday, February 18 |
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In association with the Aurora Film Circuit, Aurora Black Community has partnered with the Steering Committee Chair, Nelia Pacheco, and Town of Aurora Councillor, Sandra Humfryes to curate a series of films with the objective of providing historical accuracy, education and fair representation of Black culture. The focus of these discussions is to educate, bring cultural awareness, identify unconscious biases, examine cultural differences, and much more. Join us this evening for a live review and discussion of Miss Virginia (2019), based on the true story of a Washington D.C mother who fights for the best education for her son, and all inner-city families, by advocating for federally funded scholarships for low-income children to attend private schools. If you haven’t had a chance to see the film, please watch it ahead of time on Netflix. Time: 7 p.m. Location: Online, Aurora Black Community Facebook Page |
| Friday, February 19 |
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Everyone should know how to manage their debts and save money. Black communities play an essential role in the economy, but in comparison to other cultures, many struggle with financial wellness. Join us for these financial education sessions that identify gaps, provide solutions, and share strategies to overcome barriers in the areas of mortgages, investments, life Insurance, business insurance, savings, debts, credit history, and much more. Guest Speakers: Terrence Yuen of (Learnez.ca), Hadriana Leo of (Hadrianaleo.com) and Keisha Telfer, Transitions Realty Inc., Brokerage. Time: 10 a.m. Location: Online, Aurora Black Community Facebook Page or watch the livestream on YouTube |
| Saturday, February 20 |
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Appreciation and recognition encourage participation and growth. Each week, one person from the community will be highlighted as part of our Black History Month Celebration. Thank you to the Trureal organization, and CEO Horace Thomas, for supporting the Community Recognition Spotlights. Time: 6 p.m. Location: Online, Aurora Black Community Facebook Page |
| Sunday, February 21 |
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In association with the Aurora Film Circuit, Aurora Black Community has partnered with the Steering Committee Chair, Nelia Pacheco, and Town of Aurora Councillor, Sandra Humfryes to curate a series of films with the objective of providing historical accuracy, education and fair representation of Black culture. The focus of these discussions is to educate, bring cultural awareness, identify unconscious biases, examine cultural differences, and much more. Join us for a live review and discussion of What Happened, Miss Simone (2015), a documentary that chronicles the life of Nina Simone. If you haven’t had a chance to see the film, please watch it ahead of time on Netflix. Time: 3:30 p.m. Location: Online, Aurora Black Community Facebook Page or watch the livestream on YouTube |
| Friday, February 26 |
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This workshop will focus on understanding the importance of our mindset when dealing with racism and stigma, the importance of forgiveness and love, and the importance of being intentional about our attitude and choices. Nelson Mandela says, “May your choice reflect your hope not your fear.” Guest Speakers: Karen Carrington, Talk Show Host, Mental health Advocate & Author. Jennifer, single mom from Aurora with a young adult son who has Down syndrome Time: 6 p.m. Location: Online, Aurora Black Community Facebook Page or watch the livestream on YouTube |
| Saturday, February 27 |
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Thank you for taking this journey into Black History with us, it was truly amazing! Join us for our wrap up celebration featuring, prizes, giveaways, music, and for more information about our Call for Youth Artwork. Time: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Location: Online, Aurora Black Community Facebook Page or watch the livestream on YouTube |
Live Review and Discussion – Self Made (2020)
Cooking Demonstration - Black History Food Celebration
Legacy Transfer & Financial Literacy
Legacy Transfer & Financial Literacy
Live Review and Discussion - What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015)
What is Black History Month?
Although the celebration of Black achievement in Canada dates back to the 1920s, it wasn’t until 1995 when Black History Month was officially recognized in Canada after a motion was introduced by the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament. For more information please visit Black History Month in Canada.
How do I participate as a Black History Month activity organizer?
If you are interested in having your event included in the Aurora event listing please email us.
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