February is Black History Month, a celebration of the proud legacy, achievements, and contributions of black Canadians. Ottawa will have many great entertaining and educational events taking place to celebrate Black History Month. Here are some highlights:
Sunday, February 8th
- Soul Moves Ottawa – Get Fit & Fight Ebola – spirited dance, fitness, food, and music event – Ottawa City Hall, $16
- Children’s Stories in the Diaspora – Ottawa Public Library (Nepean Centrepointe Branch), free
- Over-comers: Our Legacy – geared toward elders, information on healthy lifestyle, safety, and elder abuse awareness – Ottawa Church of God, free
- TD Ottawa Winter Jazz Fest presents Oliver Mtukudzi & the Black Spirits – Dominion-Chalmers United Church, $35
Wednesday, February 11th
- In Living Colour Black History Showcase – a mosaic of songs, dance, poetry, and skits about youth culture – Colonel By Secondary School, $5
Thursday, February 12th
- NAC Presents Pierre Kwenders – singer-songwriter, mix of traditional and modern African rhythms – National Arts Centre Fourth Stage, $20
Saturday, February 14th
- GPM Presents L.I.T.A. Album Release – Ottawa gospel duo release Love is the Answer – Algonquin Commons Theatre, $20
- Euphoria – annual night of poetry and jazz – SAW Gallery, $15
Sunday, February 15th
- Christ Chapel Bible Church Black History Celebration Service – theme STILL I STAND, free
Monday, February 16th
- 4th Underground Comedy Railroad – Absolute Comedy, $15
Tuesday, February 17th
- Journey to Little Rock – documentary move about one of the Little Rock Nine, school desegregation, and the civil rights movement – Lieutenant’s Pump, $10.
Thursday, February 18th
- “10 Key Lessons of a Life of Personal Achievement and Refinement” – bilingual talk on the legacy of Mandela – Ottawa Public Library (Main Branch), free
Friday, February 20th
- Our Health Matters – educational speakers presenting on health, nutrition and body movement, geared to the black community – Royal Canadian Legion Montgomery Branch, $15
- Soirée Canada-Cameroun (Canada-Cameroon Night). African food, art, dance, songs, music, and film – Cégep de l’Outaouais, free
Saturday, February 21st
- Ain’t Got Time to Die Gospel Concert – Ottawa Seventh-Day Adventist Church, free
- Sammy Dead, play with a lighthearted look at funerals, Caribbean style – Rideau Park United Church, $25
- Drumbox – celebration of dance and drums – SAW Gallery, $10
- 5th Annual Somali Hope Academy Gala – 141 Catherine Street, $50
Saturday, February 28th
- Global Community Alliance Gala Night & Award Ceremony – Sheraton Ottawa Hotel, $65
- Jully Black in Concert – International Women’s Day + CARE Canada and I Am Powerful Ottawa – NAC
For full listings of Black History Month events in Ottawa, please check out our event calendar.
