Each and every month we celebrate, support, and recognize Black excellence throughout our local communities and beyond. In 2024, the official Black History Month theme in Canada is Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build. No matter where you live, Black History Month sets aside a dedicated time to globally recognize and honour the oftentimes overlooked contributions and achievements of Black individuals and their communities.
Here in Ottawa, there’s a wide variety of events from focusing on comedy, cultural performances, dance parties, and more!
The Colour of Love (Season Premiere)
Pieces of Us is an intimate space and a creative experience dedicated to artists looking to share their gifts and talents on a public platform. Their upcoming evet, The Colour of Love, marries Love Month and Black History Month together in a celebration of love and the Black community.
The highly-anticipated event represents an exploration of the power of love through the trials and tribulations faced within the Black community. Artists are encouraged to discuss love of others, through a black lens, love of Black culture and love of self and self acceptance.
Tickets are currently sold out but you can send Pieces of Us an Instagram DM to join the waitlist for the event, and they will reach out if tickets become available!
Date: Thursday, February 29, 2024 from 7:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m.
Location: Club SAW (67 Nicholas St, Ottawa)
YMCA Black History Month Event
The YMCA of the National Capital Region is pleased to invite all clients to a free in-person Black History Month event. Join as we celebrate black excellence and culture, honouring the contributions of black leaders, artists, and innovators who have shaped history.
Experience cultural performances, a fashion show, an art exhibition, and an incredible lineup of guest speakers including:
- Keynote speech by John Adeyefa, President of the African Canadian Association of Ottawa (ACAO)
- Empowering talk by Meseret Haileyesus, Executive Director of the Canadian Center For Women’s Empowerment (CCFWE)
- Screening of “More Than Hair,” a short film by Fitch Jean
And more!
Click here to register. Admission is free!
Date: Wednesday, February 28, 2024 from 3:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Location: Taggart Family Y at 180 Argyle Avenue, Ottawa – RBC Community Room, 2nd floor
Black History Month Comedy Night at UOttawa
Get ready for a night of laughter and celebration as UOttawa presents their Black History Month Comedy Night! Join for an evening filled with hilarious performances by talented Black comedians, blending humour with insightful commentary on the Black experience. This special event is a lighthearted yet meaningful way to honour the contributions and resilience of the Black community throughout history. Bring your friends and family for a night of joy, unity, and laughter, as we use comedy to reflect, connect, and uplift during this important month of recognition.
As the second act of the show, there will be The Black Talent Show, initiated by the FSS Student Anti-Racism Association. This captivating event showcases a variety of artistic performances, ranging from music and dance to poetry and visual arts, highlighting the outstanding contributions of black students across a multitude of creative disciplines.
Date: Thursday, February 29, 2024 from 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Location: University of Ottawa Alumni Auditorium at 85 Laurier Ave East, Ottawa
Back to Our Roots Kiki Ball
The Enchanté Network in collaboration with the Cap City Kiki Ballroom Alliance presents ‘Back to Our Roots Kiki Ball’ featuring Legendary DJ Blackcat and commentator Legendary Father Twysted Siriano.
This Kiki Ball is inspired by the essence of the Back to Our Roots project and Black 2SLGBTQI+ Futures Summit, which aims to amplify the voices of Black 2SLGBTQI+ people living in Canada. The Ball will celebrate all things melanin, African realness and Black Queer and Trans Pride.
Date: Friday, March 1, 2024 from 7:00 p.m.-11:30 p.m.
Location: The National Arts Centre (NAC) at 1 Elgin St, Ottawa
OSGC February Book Club: Such a Fun Age
Join the Ottawa Social Girl Club for their February Book Club event! Immerse yourself in the insightful and engaging world of “Such a Fun Age” by the acclaimed author Kiley Reid. This gathering offers a splendid opportunity to delve into a novel that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, guaranteed to spark lively discussions and deep reflections.
Date: Sunday, February 25, 2024 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Location: Wise Town Cafe at 329A Elgin St, Ottawa
Looking to relax, unwind, and form a deeper connection with your partner? Click here for some wellness date ideas to experience in Ottawa this winter.
