Celebrating Black History Month: Check out these February events

Black History Month is upon us, and the U of T community is coming together to celebrate the legacy of Black Canadians. From poetry slams to informative talks, a wide range of events is taking place across all three campuses.

Here's a sample of what's planned for Black History Month as well as other campus events: 

Feb. 1

The Gallery Grill at Hart House is one of 200 restaurants in Toronto participating in Winterlicious, which runs until Feb. 13. Enjoy a three-course prix fixe lunch for $28. Reservations can be made over the phone or online.

TEDxUTSC is taking place at U of T Scarborough and will feature a full day of stimulating talks from a diverse lineup of speakers. You’ll have the opportunity to hear from academics, activists, entrepreneurs, students and more.

Feb. 3

The U of T Mississauga Students' Union is kicking off its Black History Month celebrations. All month long, the students' union is holding events, from a discussion on mental health to a marketplace for Black-owned businesses.

Feb. 5

An Afrofuturism dance workshop is taking place at Hart House. Learn about the African and Caribbean diaspora’s rich history of dance and how it shapes pop culture today. Two more sessions will be held on Feb. 12 and 26.

A Black History Month poetry slam is planned at U of T Scarborough’s B-Wing. Poets can sign up to compete for prizes and there will be an open mic for those who just want to share their poetry and spoken word without competing.

Canadian poet Anne Carson will be delivering a lecture at One Spadina as a part of Jackman Humanities Institute’s Strange Weather series.

Wendy Hui Kyong Chun, Simon Fraser University's Canada 150 Research Chair in New Media, will be delivering a lecture at the Faculty of Law on the power of “big data” and algorithms.

Feb. 6

Hart House continues its series on hip hop education with Humanz of Hip Hop, a “human library” of hip hop knowledge and personal stories taking place at Rex’s Den at U of T Scarborough.

Experience the culmination of a third-year drama class’s final project: a one-act play explores a theme of their choosing at U of T Mississauga. The Devised Project runs from Feb. 6 to 9 at Deerfield Studio A.

Feb. 8

University College’s signature event, Fireball, returns to commemorate the 130^th anniversary of the great fire of 1890. Bring your best formal look for a night of dancing, food, drinks and dessert in the historic University College building.               

Feb. 11

Theatre technicians from the George Ignatieff Theatre will be holding a theatre tech workshop. Learn the technical components that go into producing a show, from the lighting and sound programming to technical design.

What does it mean to be both visible and invisible at the same time? LaToya Brackett, a visiting assistant professor at the University of Puget Sound, will discuss her experience navigating academia as a Black woman. She’ll be joined by Janelle Joseph, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education.

Catch a screening of Sophia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette in the Coop at St. Michael’s College. The award-winning film looks into the life of the last queen of France in the years leading up to the French Revolution.

Feb. 12

Come to U of T Scarborough’s Winter Market, where local vendors will be gathering at the Meeting Place in the S-Wing to sell fresh food and artisanal crafts.  

Feb. 13

The St. Michael’s College Troubadours is putting on a production of Guys and Dolls. See this classic Broadway musical at Hart House Theatre from Feb. 13 to 15. Tickets are $13 for students and $20 for adults.

As a part of the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design’s “Hindsight is 20/20” programming series, sound artist Christine Sun Kim will be delivering an audiovisual performance that explores her experiences as a Deaf person.

Feb. 17

The university will be closed on Family Day, which will be followed by Reading Week. Classes resume on Feb. 24.

Feb. 25

The Scarborough Campus Students’ Union is holding an art auction in support of the student refugee program at U of T Scarborough. Artwork reflecting the refugee experience will be showcased and available for sale.

As a part of Hart House’s Black Futures Series, this month’s $5 lunch will feature African-inspired flavours. 

Feb. 26

Have questions for the school administration? U of T Mississauga’s Acting Vice-President and Principal Ian Orchard will be taking your questions and updating the U of T Mississauga community on campus news at a town hall meeting at the William G. Davis Building.

Feb. 27

The Faculty of Law’s annual Morris A. Gross Memorial Lecture will be delivered by Indigenous rights lawyer Jean Teillet, who is also the great-grandniece of Louis Riel.

Feb. 28

Catch Hart House Theatre’s production of Oh, What A Lovely War!, which runs from Feb. 28 to Mar. 7. There will also be a post-show talk with the actors and the artists after the Feb. 29 show. Tickets are $15 for students and $28 for adults.

A free Creole Caribbean vegan breakfast will be served at the Multi-Faith Centre. This is being done in partnership with the U of T Students’ Union, the Veg Club and Hart House.

More free food will be offered at Hart House's 18th Annual Black History Month Luncheon. The event will feature musical performances along with a special guest speaker.