Many Stories, One History:
A Colourful 33rd edition of Black History Month for 2024! |
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Montreal, January 25, 2024 - The Round Table on Black History Month is launching its programming for the 33rd time, which is intended to reach an ever-growing audience throughout Quebec. Content creator and actor Tailaire Laguerre (AKA Tai TL) will be the Francophone spokesperson, in tandem with meditation teacher, writer, and podcast host Fimo Mitchell who will serve as the English-language spokesperson.
Tailaire Laguerre wanted to be a spokesperson for Black History Monthbecause he sees it as “a great opportunity to use [his] platform for a meaningful cause: amplifying the voices and stories of Canada’s Black communities.” He sincerely believes “in the power that laughter, storytelling, and creativity have to inspire change and unity,” all of which are facets he would like to emphasize in his role as spokesperson this year.
As “spokesperson for these remarkable laureates,” Fimo Mitchell hopes that together we can leverage “our collective resilience and resources to drive positive change for our community.” He is committed to “champion our stories and the vision we hold for a more empowered and connected future.” Mitchell also reiterated the importance of celebrating “our history and vibrant tapestry of experiences,” and calls for us to “recognize that unity is our strength.”
“Every year, Black History Month is a wonderful opportunity to collectively celebrate the accomplishments of members of Québec’s Black communities. Thanks to their talents and commitment, they have been contributing to the social, cultural and economic development of Québec for centuries. I encourage Quebecers of all origins to learn about the history of these communities and to participate in the various activities organized by the Round Table on Black History Month in every region of Québec. Let’s take advantage of this opportunity to build and strengthen the ties that unite us!” Christine Fréchette, Minister of Immigration, Francization and Integration. |
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Like every year, the Round Table on Black History Month produces and distributes a free annual calendar that highlights the laureates for that year. For this edition, the 12 laureates were photographed by Kevin Calixte. You can discover each of the laureates as individuals: poet, essayist, novelist, and editor-in-chief of Kola Magazine, H. Nigel Thomas; the founder of Quebec’s first cycling school, Papa Amadou Touré; leadership mentor and champion for young people Kathy Roach; Radio-Canada musical revelation of the year and one-of-a-kind artist Joseph Sarenhes; classical singer in the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal Chorus Frédéricka Petit-Homme; journalist, content creator, and founder of the Institut NEOQUÉBEC, Cyrille Ekwala; founder and director of the Black Healing Centre, Samantha Nyinawumuntu; meditation teacher, writer, and podcast host Fimo Mitchell; vice-president of Fonds 1804, director of the Académie de leadership Louverture-Mandela, and author, Arcelle Appolon; one of the Montreal International Jazz Festival’s musical pioneers, singer, songwriter, and percussionist Vovo Saramanda; strategic advisor specialized in police reform and PhD in ecological economics and sustainable development Ibrahima Gassama; and singer-songwriter, lawyer specialized in media law, and founding member of Montreal group Bran Van 3000, Stephane Moraille.
Visit the official website: www.moishistoiredesnoirs.com/laureats |
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A page turns. Last edition of Black History Month was special, because it marked a full return to in-person programming. The pandemic had wide-reaching impacts on us all but each of us experienced it in our own way. In light of this situation, our intention this year is to celebrate every facet of Black history. It is essential to represent and further promote the countless stories, points of view, and experiences of Afro-descendant people in Quebec. As a result, the theme of this edition will be Many Stories, One History.
Artist Garfield Morgan, who is currently in residence at Edmonton’s Harcourt House Artist Run Centre, created this year’s poster. Featuring acrylic, paper dollies, and African wax fabric, and decorated with Adinkra (Ghanaian symbols), the piece symbolize the resilience, perseverance, and success of the Afro-descendant diaspora, despite their former and current challenges. The dollies symbolize a gentle, delicate spirit in balance with an inner strength that is continually drawn upon to move forward. |
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| A RICH, PRESTIGIOUS, SURPRISING PROGRAM |
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The 2024 edition of Black History Month will feature sharing-driven moments to be experienced throughout Quebec—and, of course, Montreal. Here’s a quick overview of some of the not-to-be-missed events:
Diggers
February 1 - 17
Segal Centre for Performing Arts
Black Theatre Workshop is back with the world premiere of Donna-Michelle St. Bernard’s Diggers. The play centres around 3 gravediggers, their dedication to their work, and how they are viewed, and sometimes excluded, by fellow citizens of their village. A tribute to essential workers, Diggers will be presented at The Segal Centre for Performing Arts (Studio), from February 1st to the 17th
Trey McLaughlin and The Sounds of Zamar
February 2
Place des Arts – Théâtre Maisonneuve
Originally from the United States (Georgia), this gospel and neo-soul group, which has been performing internationally since 2019, will take the stage in Montreal for the first time, as part of The Zamar Experience tour.
SIRA, a Film by Apolline Traoré
February 2
Cinéma Beaubien
“This new film by Burkinabé director Apolline Traoré, a necessary and poignant work, depicts the harsh reality of African women victimized by terrorism and the resilience they are capable of. It won the Panorama Audience Award at the Berlinale and the Silver Stallion at FESPACO.” (CINEMANIA, 2024)
Black Winter Fest
As of February 3
Hike Mtl
Hike Mtl is organizing its annual BLK WinterFest, and you’re invited! BLK WinterFest runs for a month and offers up six different winter sports and activities you’re sure to enjoy trying! Transportation and equipment are covered—all you have to do is join the team! Hike Mtl has everything you need to make this winter season an unforgettable experience! See you on the slopes soon!
Show – Festival Afropolitain Nomade
February 9 and 10
J. Armand Bombardier Theatre at the McCord Stewart Museum
A musical performance that’s the result of an international residency project. A fruitful collaboration between Sandrine Masse (a classically trained Huron-Wendat violist and winner of the first Georges-Dor prize), Mariuska Moukengue (a versatile Congolese artist, director of the international Slamouv festival, and recipient of the 2022 Prince Claus Fund prize from the Dutch royal family), Lydol (a Cameroonian slammer and ambassador of the 2022 Africa-EU Partnership), and Sarah Bergeron (a Canadian guitarist and rhythm and sound designer).
Annual Blood Drive
February 10C
C.É.D.A.
Each year, the Round Table on Black History Month organizes a blood drive to support people suffering from sickle cell anemia and highlight the critical contributions Black communities make to the Quebec blood supply.
Screening and Discussion – Afrodiaspora Global
February 14
J. Armand Bombardier Theatre at the McCord Stewart Museum
The documentary Afrodiaspora Global explores the presence of people and cultures of African descent around the world—including well- and lesser-known communities in the Americas and even less known communities in the South Pacific, Indian Ocean, and South Asia. The screening will be followed by a discussion with Sheila S. Walker, an anthropologist and the director of the film, and Khadiatou Sarr, a doctoral student at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) who specializes in international law.
Montreal Canadiens
Screening of the film Black Ice, followed by a discussion with director Hubert Davis
February 20
Bell Centre
Black Ice is an Academy Award- and Emmy Award-nominated documentary directed by filmmaker Hubert Davis. In this film, Davis speaks out about racism in the world of hockey and illustrates its history through the unpublished stories of former and current players from Black and Indigenous communities. These figures include the first Black player in the National Hockey League, Willie O'Ree; former professional hockey player Akim Aliu; as well as Wayne Simmonds and Pernell K. Subban.
Conversations Noires
February 24
Conversations Noires is back for its 6th edition! An intergenerational conference where pioneers from the community come together to explore culture-related topics through panel discussions, workshop series, art experiences, and more...
Regional Programming:
Black History Month isn’t just being celebrated in the city—but also in the Bas-Saint-Laurent, the Outaouais, and Gaspésie. Naturally, the 2024 edition is no different.
In Lanaudière, we bring the past and the future into dialogue by offering you activities and events focused on entrepreneurship, the arts, and history. A literary event, at which Gregory Charles will be the special guest, is also planned.
In Quebec City, several conferences, workshops, and galas will be on topics related to challenges and perspectives around the health and fulfilment of African-Canadians. The inaugural conference will take place on February 2. In Laval, a dynamic, varied program awaits you!
*** Black History Month will take place all across Quebec from February 1 to 29, 2024.
To discover all of the scheduled activities, visit www.moishistoiredesnoirs.com |
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| ABOUT THE ROUND TABLE ON BLACK HISTORY MONTH |
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The Round Table on Black History Month is a non-profit organization created to promote activities related to various aspects of the history of Black communities, all in a way that emphasizes both the historical and the contemporary.
www.moishistoiredesnoirs.com |
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