During the month of February, learn about and celebrate Black History through storytelling, culture, food and art both on and off-campus.
Black History Month events hosted by the University of Ottawa Students’ Union
What: A variety of events to recognize and celebrate black culture while promoting student development on campus. Celebrate change-makers, artists, entrepreneurs, culture, food, history and more.
When: 12 events through February
Where: Various locations on and off-campus
Breaking the Ice Black History Month Exhibits
What: Exhibits by the NHL Mobile Museum of Black Hockey History, the Ottawa Senators, Canadian Heritage, Ontario Black History Society and the International African Inventors Museum to celebrate the contributions of black people in Canada.
When: Tuesday, February 4 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Where: Aberdeen Pavilion, 1000 Exhibition Way
Tickets and information
OKAN Concert
What: Taking their name from the word for heart or soul in the Afro-Cuban religion of Santeria, OKAN fuses Afro-Cuban roots with jazz, folk and global rhythms in songs about immigration, bravery and love.
When: Saturday, February 8 at 8:30 p.m.
Where: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin Street
Children's Stories of the Diaspora
What: A reading of children’s stories by black authors.
When: Sunday, February 9 at 2 p.m.
Where: Ottawa Public Library, 101 Centrepointe Drive
Tickets and information
The Skin We're In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power with Desmond Cole
What: The launch of a bracing, provocative and perspective-shifting book from one of Canada's most celebrated and uncompromising writers, Desmond Cole. The conversation will be hosted by CBC’s Idil Mussa.
When: Tuesday, February 11 at 7 p.m.
Where: Library and Archives Canada, 395 Wellington Street
Tickets and information
Mental Health of Black Communities in the National Capital Region
What: Raising awareness about mental health among black communities with Dr. Myrna Lashley, McGill professor, Jacques Frémont, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ottawa, Greg Fergus, Member of Parliament for Hull-Aylmer and Rawlson King, Councillor of Rideau-Rockcliffe.
When: Thursday, 13 February at 2 p.m.
Where: University of Ottawa Social Sciences Building (FSS), 120 University Private
2020 Black History Month - African Day on The Hill
What: Celebrate African heritage, culture, food, music, fashion, dancing and storytelling.
When: Saturday, February 15 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Sir John A MacDonald Building, 144 Wellington Street
The Black Canadian Experience in Ontario: 1834—1914 Exhibition
What: In collaboration with the Ontario Black History Society, this exhibit presents the dramatic story of an important community which has played a significant role in the pronvince's history and remains a vital force in Ontario society today.
When: February 17 to 29
Where: University of Ottawa University Centre, 85 University Private
Tickets and information
Celebrating the U.N. Decade of People of African Descent
What: A multicultural event where different African and the Caribbean communities showcase traditions from their home countries, celebrate with music, dancing, food and more.
When: Sunday, February 23 at 6 p.m.
Where: Ottawa Church of God, 1820 Carling Avenue
Empowering Our Future
What: The Afro-Caribbean Mentorship Program has partnered with the Royal Bank of Canada, Carleton University and the University of Ottawa to host its second annual Black History Month event. Celebrate Afro-Caribbean Black history, while honouring individuels who are making outstanding contributions to Canada.
When: Friday, 28 February at 5 p.m.
Where: Dominion-Chalmers United Church, 355 Cooper Street
AfroRoots Dance Festival
What: Various dance workshops and seminars rooted in African Culture.
When: Saturday, February 29 at 10 a.m.
Where: The Cultural Arts Studio, 149 King George Street
Do you know of other events happening in the city? Let us know!
Sources: University of Ottawa, Black History Ottawa, University of Ottawa Students’ Union.
Please note: Events that were sold out prior to publication were omitted from the article.