The 2025 edition of Black History Month will feature sharing-driven moments to be experienced throughout Quebec—and, of course, Montreal. Here’s an overview of some of the highlights, from over 150 events taking place throughout the province!
Premiere and screening of the film Father's Day
February 4 (premiere) and 7 + onward (general public)
Cinéma du Musée (premiere), Cinémathèque Québécoise (general public)
After the resounding success of Le Mythe de la femme noire, Ayana O’Shun returns with her second documentary, Father’s Day, which examines the phenomenon of absent fathers in Black communities. The film will open to the public at the Cinémathèque as of February 7 and is also available at TOU.TV/extra.
Concert: Distant Echoes of Africa
February 6
Centre Pierre-Péladeau, Salle Pierre-Mercure – 7:30 p.m.
The Orchestre Classique de Montréal, under the direction of conductor Kalena Bovell and with soprano Suzanne Taffot, invites everyone to take part in an enriching and moving program, which will include works by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, George Walker, and William Grant Still—and a world premiere of the song cycle Le Deuil des roses qui s’effeuillent by David Bontemps. This concert pays tribute to the impact that these essential artists have had and highlights the 80th anniversary of the death of Jacques Roumain, whose poems inspired some of these works.
Rhythms & Resistance | Sounds & Pressure: Reggae in a Foreign Land
February 7 – 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Espace ONF
This evening will highlight reggae in Canada through a screening of Sounds & Pressure, followed by a discussion with the directors. The event will also include the exclusive launch of exhibition The String Up, organized by the Afrosonic Innovation Lab, which celebrates the history behind reggae and sound-system culture in Montreal. CKUT DJs will provide the music, while The Caribbean Food Factory will serve up food throughout the evening.
Afropolitain Nomade Show
February 9 and 10 – 6:30 p.m.
McCord Stewart Museum
Festival Afropolitain Nomade, in collaboration with the McCord Stewart Museum, presents an artistic residency from January 29 to February 8, 2024, at the Afromuseum, bringing together artists from various countries. Their creations will be unveiled on February 9 and 10, 2024, at the McCord Stewart Museum. Four artists—instrumentalists, singers, and creators—will present the results of their collaborative creation, as part of a multicultural event that promises unveil enriching musical discoveries.
Black Theatre Workshop Presents Vierge
Feburary 12 - March 2
Segal Centre for Performing Arts
Canada's longest-running Black theatre company, is proud to present Vierge, a compelling new play by award-winning Montreal playwright Rachel Mutombo. This production delves into the intricate dynamics of a Congolese-Canadian community, exploring themes of respectability politics, sexuality, spirituality, and belonging through the experiences of four teenage girls.
Adrien Wing talk
February 13 – 6 p.m.
Écomusée du fier monde
Professor Emeritus at the University of Iowa and director of the university's Centre for Human Rights, Adrien Wing will give a lecture on white privilege.
Annual blood drive – 15th Edition
February 15 – 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
CEDA and Plaza Côte-des-Neiges
Each year in collaboration with Héma-Québec, 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.
Curls workshops
February 16 – 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Artizans 4/22 hair salon
The Artizans 4/22 hair salon, in partnership with Librairie Racines, will be hosting two workshops dedicated to learning the best techniques for caring for Black hair.
Screening of The Draft
Cinéma du Musée
February 18 – 6:30 p.m.
Jephté Bastien’s film The Draft will be screened at the Cinéma du Musée. Jack, a young African-American man whose dreams of a hockey career were shattered by a racist attack, places his aspirations in the hands of his talented younger brother, Will, who is part of the younger generation. Through all this, they must navigate persistent racism and Montreal’s intimidating police presence.
History lecture by Monique Milia Marie-Luce
February 20
Écomusée du fier monde
As part of the third edition of this lecture series, this event will highlight the story of Pauline Firmiez, a Guadeloupean servant who arrived in Quebec in 1911. She became an iconic figure in the Pearl Milling Company's Aunt Jemima advertisements of the 1940s. This fascinating talk, which will feature private archives, explores a little-known page of history.
Step Afrika! dance show
February 23 – 4 p.m.
Place des Arts, Théâtre Maisonneuve
South Africa’s lively rhythms will make a stop at Place des Arts. Since its creation in 1994, Step Afrika!—known worldwide for its percussive dances and its blend of African sounds—has performed in no fewer than 60 countries. With 18 full-time artists, the troupe uses the stage as a means of expression, combining songs, stories, and humour with rhythmic dances.
Douce Dibondo visits Montreal as part of Black History Month
February 24–27
Écomusée du fier monde
During this conference, Douce Dibondo invites participants to a discussion grounded in her book La charge raciale, which explores the effects of systemic racism and the psychological impacts of discrimination. This exchange aims to celebrate and raise awareness of Afro-descendant communities.
Screening of the film Dahomey by Mati Diop
February 26 – 6 p.m.
McCord Stewart Museum
Through this film, the audience will discover the story of 26 of Dahomey’s royal treasures, which were repatriated from Paris to their land of origin, in what is now today Benin. These pieces, among thousands of others, were looted when invasion of French colonial troops invaded in 1892. Afterwards, there will be a discussion on the topic of repatriation of artworks, which will bring together the perspectives of Quebec’s Indigenous peoples and those of Black communities.
Conversations Noires
February 28 and March 1
Livart
Conversations Noires is back for its 7th edition! It’s an intergenerational conference where community pioneers come together to explore cultural themes through discussion panels, workshop series, artistic experiences, and more.
More events throughout Quebec
BHM will feature programming well beyond just Montreal. In Quebec, from February 4 to 15, Nathalie Fontalvo will direct and star in the play Pistes by Penda Diouf. In Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, on February 22, 2025, the show “Blagues et blues: héritages en fête” at the Cabaret-théâtre du Vieux-Saint-Jean, will feature musical performances, a comedy show, and inspiring moments to celebrate Black culture. Marieville will host Racines plurielles, a festive intercultural event. Through culinary tastings, craft presentations, and workshops for children, the public will be able to immerse themselves in the reality of the Black people call this region home.
In 2023, the Round Table reached out to several Canadian publishers to request works written by Afro-descendant authors or dealing with subjects affecting Black communities. This initiative inspired the creation of a reading club, Food for thoughts – À Table, the first edition of which will take place on January 23, 2025, at the Un livre à soi bookstore, with 2024 laureate Nigel Thomas as a guest.» For more information : www.moishistoiredesnoirs.com LENA GHIO |
