BRAMPTON, ON (January 24, 2023) – Throughout the month of February, the City of Brampton will recognize and celebrate Black History Month with a series of City-led and community activities and educational programming. The City honours the many achievements and contributions of the Black community who, throughout history have done so much to make Brampton the liveable, compassionate and prosperous city it is today.  

On February 1, the Pan-African flag will be raised at Brampton City Hall, and a formal proclamation will be read at the February 1 Committee of Council Meeting.   

For the full list of Black History Month events, visit www.brampton.ca/bhm.

Black History Month
Join Mayor Brown, Members of Council and City Staff at Brampton City Hall on February 1 as the City honours Black trailblazers with live performances, speakers and a vendor market.

Event Details:
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
2 to 9 pm
City Hall Atrium and Conservatory, 2 Wellington St W, Brampton, ON
• Support local Black businesses and shop at the Black Makers Market
• Live performances
• Remarks by Mayor Brown; Chief Stacey Laforme; Afro-Indigenous speaker, Myrna Adams; Elder, Marjorie Taylor; and Keynote speaker, Zanana Akande.
• Mayor’s Making Black History Awards
• Brampton’s Present Black History Makers
• Sample authentic Afro-Caribbean food and beverage

This event is generously sponsored by Algoma University and Toronto Pearson.

Race and Education – the Black Experience
Join the City of Brampton’s Equity Office for a panel discussion on Race and Education – the Black Experience.

Event Details:
Friday, February 10, 2023  
6 to 9 pm
The Rose Brampton, 1 Theatre Ln, Brampton, ON

The two-and-a-half-hour event with expert panellists will be a jumping-off point to creating long-lasting, impactful strides toward equity and inclusion within the city, starting with Education. Panelists include:
• Charline Grant, Chief Advocacy Officer, Parents of Black Children 
• Phiona Lloyd-Henry, Coordinating Principal, Peel District School Board
• Kathy McDonald, Peel Region School Board Trustee, Wards 3 and 4
• Idris Orughu, Parent Advocate

Click here to reserve your ticket.

Black History Month at the Brampton Library
Throughout February, the Brampton Library will host a series of events and programs, including:

• February 4: African Drumming
• February 8: Ian Williams in conversation with Jael Richardson
• February 11: An Overview of 400 years of Black History in Canada with Channon Oyeniran
• February 18: Black Artisan Market

Learn more at www.bramptonlibrary.ca.

Performance Series
The Rose Brampton will feature shows all month long in celebration of Black History Month:

• February 5: Blackness as Prophecy: A Pre-Show Spoken Word Workshop for Freedom Cabaret
• February 5: Freedom Cabaret
• February 9: This is Brampton: HYPE Showcase
• February 11: This is Brampton: Stand Up Stitches: Underground Comedy Railroad Tour
• February 18: Jay Martin Comedy Series
• February 23: Flavours & Vibes

Find details and buy tickets at www.therosebrampton.ca.

Quotes

“City staff and members of the community have partnered in developing a meaningful program that honours the contributions of the Black community across the city and beyond. Through recognizing Black History Month, we are given a special opportunity to connect, reflect, and celebrate. I invite everyone to participate in activities throughout the month and look forward to welcoming the community to City Hall for our launch event on February 1.”
- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

“As one of the most diverse cities in Canada, the City of Brampton recognizes the responsibility we have in championing inclusivity through programs, services, and events – and ensuring these reflect the community we serve. We invite everyone to take part in the City and community-led events during Black History Month, to learn more about how together we can continue to a build a stronger inclusive community.”
- Marlon Kallideen, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton

“The City of Brampton recognizes the importance of celebrating Black History Month and raising awareness of the many contributions the Black community has given to the City of Brampton and to Canada. This year’s theme “Black Resistance” examines how Black individuals and communities have fought repression throughout the decades as a result of anti-black racism.  We invite you to join us to honour and celebrate the Black community’s resilience by learning, listening and fostering a society that combats racism, all forms of discrimination and where all Canadians feel a sense of belonging.”
- Michele Byrne, Manager, Equity Office, City of Brampton