Toronto proclaims February as Black History Month

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  January 29, 2014       

Toronto proclaims February as Black History Month

Mayor Rob Ford has proclaimed February as Black History Month, a celebration of the history, heritage and contributions of African-Canadians in Toronto. Many private events happening across Toronto, and City divisions and agencies have programming throughout the month.

The City of Toronto's Market Gallery is presenting an exhibition on the Ontario Black History Society from February 1 through April 19. For 35 years, the society has expanded the public's awareness and appreciation of black history, and was the organization that first requested a proclamation of Black History Month in 1979. A framed copy of the proclamation will be presented to the Ontario Black History Society at the exhibition launch at 5:30 p.m. on January 31.

The Toronto Public Library will begin Black History Month celebrations with a gala on January 31 and continue with a DJ boot camp, drumming demonstrations and genealogy courses at branches across the city. The Toronto Public Library also holds more than 16,000 items in the Rita Cox Black and Caribbean Heritage Collection.

Community centres across Toronto will host film nights, open mike contests and a three-on-three basketball tournament. More events will be announced throughout February, with details available at http://www.toronto.ca/blackhistory/events.htm.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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Media contact: David Clark, Strategic Communications, 416-392-7542, dclark1@toronto.ca