Durham region’s Cultural Expressions Art Gallery to stage 15th Black History Month celebration

For the past 15 years, Cultural Expressions Art Gallery Inc. has presented the Annual Durham Black History Month Celebration, Durham’s longest running and largest free Black history month event with a wealth of quality content that celebrates the beauty of Black culture and the diversity of the Black Canadian experience.  The event will be packed with two days of educational and entertaining performances hosted by Charles Waterman. Saturday, February 5th, 2022 at 7pm and Sunday February 6th, 2022 at 2pm, broadcast online with tickets available on Eventbrite.

This year’s event is presented in partnership with Elexicon, The Town of Ajax, The City of Pickering, Durham Children’s Aid Foundation, The Congress of Black Women (Ajax/Pickering & Oshawa/Whitby) and the Durham Black Coalition. The theme is simply entitled “Fifteenth” with a look back at the momentous events that continue to shape the tone and direction of diversity across Canada and in Durham region over the past 15 years.

It features a keynote address from notable Canadian author and business owner, Itah Sadu. Vocal performances by Kunle and the Juno-nominated artist, Julian Taylor. There will also be spoken word performances by Black Star Spoken Word Team, along with some electric dance and African drumming performances by Afiwi Groove. Pan Fantasy steelband will perform the national anthem.

One of the most important moments of the event will be the presentation by Elexicon of the prestigious 2022 Madiba award to Durham District School Board trustee, Patrice Barnes. The award honors a leader of African ancestry in Durham Region whose experience embodies Nelson Mandela’s values, vision, and a commitment to overcome barriers in his long fight for freedom and equality. In honour of the 15th anniversary a Lifetime Achievement award will also be presented.

The event is also sponsored by the Durham Regional Police Services Board, Durham District School Board, Durham Region, Rotary Pickering and Rotary Ajax.

According to Durham Black History Month Chair, Esther Forde, “Each year we strive to grow by bringing excellence and knowledge to our audience and February 2022 will be no exception.  For the first time in our history we are planning an outstanding two-day event.  Day 1: Focusing on celebrating the past 15 years and our present. Day 2: “Knowledge is power” with a focus on education. We want everyone to join us in celebration, enjoy the performances, discover something new or maybe deepen their knowledge of what they may have already known. Although we are apart, our history unites us together”

We’re happy to partner with Elexicon Energy this year. They also will have the  honor of presenting the Madiba Award to a leader in the region during the event.