Black History Month 2025: U of T events to know about 

From engaging performances and lectures to community gatherings, there’s something for everyone to engage with and learn from this Black History Month at the University of Toronto. 

Here are some events to look out for across the tri-campus.

Y’all Don’t Wanna Hear Me (You Just Wanna Dance) – Black at UTM
Thursday, February 6 | 12 p.m.

On Feb. 6, The Blackwood and Black at UTM will present Jeremy Toussaint-Baptiste’s performance, Y’all Don’t Wanna Hear Me (You Just Wanna Dance). Toussaint-Baptiste will use a Long-Range Acoustic Device (LRAD) to unite and guide the crowd through Black music, conversation and dance. The performance will be followed by a discussion with the artist. 

Beyond the Finish Line: Exploring Black Canadian Sports Histories – Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education + Department of History
Thursday, February 6 | 5:30 – 7 p.m. 

Many histories of sport are limited to celebrating successful figures of the past, which is certainly uplifting. But they often fail to unpack why true progress remains elusive within sport and beyond, despite such triumphs.

A special lecture by eminent Black sports scholar Ornella Nzindukiyimana will explore what it means to be a Black athlete in Canada today and the pivotal role of sport in our culture as both a platform for struggle and liberation. 

A Symposium on the Histories and Geographies of Housing Discrimination – School of Cities Housing Justice Lab + Department of History
Friday, February 7 | 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

The histories and geographies of housing discrimination in Canada is not well known and is understudied. Housing discrimination has material consequences for marginalized Canadians. The current housing crisis and the differential treatment of African and Black Caribbean refugees is a recent publicized emblem of anti-Black housing discrimination. 

Professor Joe Darden of Michigan State University will present an interdisciplinary, intercollegiate and in conversation with community to examine this particularly critical issue.

Black History Through Music – Faculty of Music
Saturday, February 8 | 7:30 p.m.

Join students from the Faculty of Music and the Toronto School of Theology as they take the audience on a musical journey with performances of African-American spirituals as well as traditional and contemporary gospel music pieces, accompanied by a dynamic gospel rhythm section.

The event includes performances from the University of Toronto West African Drumming and Dance Ensemble and special guest, JUNO Award-winning gospel recording artist Sharon Riley.

Anti-Black Racism & Black Inclusion Advisory Committee – Welcome Back Reception Winter 2025
Thursday, February 13 | 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Anti-Black Racism & Black Inclusion Advisory Committee (ABR-BIAC) provides strategic advice to U of T Scarborough relating to anti-Black racism and Black inclusion.

Its Welcome Back Reception will provide an opportunity for Black-identified faculty, staff, librarians, student leaders and community members at U of T Scarborough to connect with the ABR-BIAC committee, share concerns, and offer recommendations for advancing inclusivity on campus.  

The Frantz Fanon 100th Year Anniversary Symposium – Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
Friday, February 21 | 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Ontario Institute for Studies in Education will mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Frantz Fanon, a psychiatrist, philosopher and revolutionary activist on Feb. 21. Fanon’s work has had a significant impact on Post Colonial Theory, Black Studies, French Studies, Cultural Studies, Critical Race Theory, and liberation movements around the world. 

Registration will close on Monday, February 10.

Annual Black History Month Luncheon
Tuesday, February 28 | 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The University of Toronto’s Black History Month Luncheon, sponsored by the Division of University Advancement and supported by Hart House, returns with dynamic speakers, compelling performances and delicious food.

The annual event has become a long-standing tradition that celebrates Black excellence while providing a welcoming and inclusive community space.