Black History Month 2025 Events in London, Ontario

Black History Month is a time to honor, celebrate, and reflect on the rich contributions of Black communities to history, culture, and society. Throughout February, London, Ontario, will host a series of engaging events and activities highlighting Black excellence, resilience, and heritage. CRHESI is pleased to share these opportunities with our members. While these events are not organized by CRHESI, we encourage our community to participate, learn, and support the initiatives taking place in our city.

Upcoming Events and Activities

Building Capacity & Resilience in Black-led Organizations

Date: February 12, 2025
Time: 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
Venue: Innovation Works – CommUNITY Living Room
Details: The “Building Capacity & Resilience in Black-led Organizations” event focuses on strengthening Black-led and Black-serving organizations by providing tools for long-term sustainability. Through insightful discussions, participants will explore strategies for enhancing organizational infrastructure, securing funding, and fostering leadership development. Expert panelists will share knowledge on governance excellence, volunteer engagement, and community impact. The event creates a space for meaningful conversations and collaboration among leaders, advocates, and supporters of Black communities. By addressing systemic challenges and opportunities, this initiative aims to empower organizations to thrive and drive lasting change.
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Black History Month Family Celebration

Date: February 08, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 01:00 PM
Venue: Central Library, London, ON
Details: Celebrate the richness of Black history and culture at the London Public Library’s annual Family Celebration Event. This event offers fun games, creative crafts, and interactive workshops suitable for all ages. Attendees will enjoy performances by local artists, including music, dance, and storytelling. The event is presented in collaboration with the London Black Heritage Council, the City of London, and the London Children’s Museum. All are welcome to join in this vibrant celebration
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BLACK HISTORY SLAM 2025

Date: February 13, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Venue: Museum London
Details: The Black History Slam returns for its second annual event, celebrating Black History Month under the theme “Roots and Rhythm: Celebrating Black Legacy in London.” Attendees will experience spoken word performances by four talented poets, including headliner Eddie Lartey, and soulful musical renditions by artist Tiffany Chantelle. The evening also features an engaging panel discussion with local creatives. Between performances, guests are invited to tour “Ukutula: Our Timeless Journeys,” an expansive group exhibition celebrating African dance and music, showcasing the work of five contemporary artists from the African and Asian diasporas. This event is free and open to all, but space is limited, so registration is required.
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Essence & Culture Awards 2025

Date: February 17, 2025
Time: 5:00 PM
Venue: Wolf Performance Hall – London, Public Library
Details: A prestigious awards ceremony recognizing Black excellence in business, arts, education, and community service. The event includes a formal dinner, live entertainment, and keynote speakers.
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Lewis Coray Trailblazer Award

Date: February 19, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Venue: RBC Place, 300 York St, London  
Details: The Lewis Coray Trailblazer Award is an initiative by the London Police Service to honor outstanding youth from African, Caribbean, and Black communities. This award recognizes young individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to positive change. By celebrating these trailblazers, the program aims to inspire other young people to engage actively in their communities and pursue leadership roles. The award ceremony is a highlight of the London Police Service’s diversity events, reflecting their dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion. For more information about the award and the nomination process, please visit the London Police Service’s official website
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Black History Month 2025 Closing Ceremony

Date: February 22, 2025
Time: 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Venue: Wolf Performance Hall, London, Public Library
Details: The Black History Month 2025 Closing Ceremony is a significant event honoring the achievements and contributions of the Black community in London, Ontario. The ceremony will feature the Black Community Achievement Awards, recognizing individuals and organizations that have made impactful contributions to the community. Attendees can expect a program that includes inspiring speeches, cultural performances, and opportunities to reflect on the month’s celebrations. This event serves as a culmination of Black History Month activities, celebrating the rich heritage and ongoing contributions of Black Canadians. Admission is free, but registration is required. For more details and to register, please visit the event page.
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Black Heritage: Our Past, Our Present, Our Future

Date: February 26, 2025
Time: 5 PM
Venue: Great Hall at Huron University
Details: The Canadian Club of London, in partnership with the London Black Heritage Council, is hosting a special panel discussion on February 26, 2025, to explore Black history and heritage. This event will feature insights from Charles Innis, a community developer, Christina Lord, an educator, and Tarik Kifle, a graduation coach. The discussion will highlight the importance of preserving and celebrating Black history while addressing contemporary challenges and achievements. It aims to foster meaningful dialogue and awareness about Black heritage in London, Ontario. This event is part of the club’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and education through community engagement.
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The Ebony Ball

Date: February 28, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Details: A glamorous evening celebrating Black culture, fashion, and music. The event includes live performances, a dance floor, and a celebration of Black excellence and heritage.
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London Symphonia’s “Life and Troubled Times of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor” Concert

Date: February 23, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM
Venue: Metropolitan United Church
Details: London Symphonia will present “The Life and Troubled Times of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor” at Metropolitan United Church in London, Ontario. This concert, narrated by poet and actor Roy Lewis, will explore the remarkable story of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, a mixed-race composer celebrated as a musical genius at the turn of the 20th century. The program includes Coleridge-Taylor’s Nonet and “Deep River” from his 24 Negro Melodies, as well as works by Kris Bowers, Florence Price, Antonín Dvořák, and Franz Schubert. Tickets are available for purchase, and for those unable to attend in person, a Video On Demand option is offered. For more details and to secure tickets, please visit the event page.
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THE LONDON Black Health + Wellness FAIR

Date: March 29, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Venue: North London Optimist Centre (1345 Cheapside St., London)
Details: The London Black Health + Wellness Fair is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Black individuals and communities. This event will bring together key partners from healthcare organizations, community groups, and local agencies to address health disparities through culturally sensitive healthcare programs and community support. Attendees will have access to expert-led discussions on critical health topics, connect with vendors offering health-related services, and participate in activities for all ages. A special focus will be given to Black seniors and children’s mental health, with proceeds supporting the development of the Children’s Black Mental Health Hub through the W.E.A.N. Community Centre. This fair is a vital step toward building a healthier and more empowered Black community in London.

We encourage our community to participate in these important events, learn from inspiring speakers, and celebrate Black history, culture, and achievements throughout February and beyond.

Join the Board of Directors at Grounded Roots, Open Wings (GROW)!

Grounded Roots, Open Wings (GROW) is seeking two dedicated and passionate individuals to join its Board of Directors for a three-year term. GROW provides comprehensive pre- and postnatal care to individuals in the community who do not have a family doctor, as well as wrap-around support for those facing socioeconomic and psychosocial challenges.

Role & Responsibilities

Board members play a crucial role in providing governance, financial, and strategic oversight to help advance GROW’s mission. The Board meets once a month, with a combination of in-person and virtual meetings.

Who Should Apply?

Candidates with strong leadership and strategic skills who align with GROW’s mission and can effectively communicate its vision are encouraged to apply. This year, specific skills of interest include:
Experience in fundraising and development
Governance experience
Coordination of volunteers

Commitment to Diversity

GROW is committed to broadening the diversity of its Board of Directors and encourages applications from individuals with a variety of lived experiences.

How to Apply

Expressions of interest, including resumes and any questions, can be sent to growboardofdirectors@prismahcc.ca for consideration by March 31, 2025.

This is an opportunity to contribute to equitable access to prenatal and postnatal care and support individuals in need. Those with relevant skills and experience are encouraged to apply.

Stop ‘Tolerhating’: Fighting Hate Through Passion and Collaboration

Written by Mina Yu, CRHESI Student Collective, Community Engaged Learning placement, Bachelor of Health Sciences, Western University

In 2024, the City of London launched the Stop Tolerhating campaign in collaboration with the Centre for Research on Health Equity and Social Inclusion (CRHESI) and over 60 local organizations. This initiative aims to confront hate, racism, and other forms of discrimination and stigma through City-wide education, collaboration and empowerment activities, fostering a more inclusive and equitable community.

During an interview with Zahra, Project Coordinator for the Anti-Hate Project, Stop Tolerhating, from the Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Division, City of London, involved in the campaign’s development and pilot launch, their passion for this project was obvious. Zahra shared that their personal experiences navigating discrimination inspired them to be a part of this initiative. “There’s so much power in starting something in your own community,” Zahra explained, emphasizing their commitment to making resources and support accessible to those facing hate and its impacts.

Stop Tolerhating general campaign poster, City of London

The campaign employs a multi-pronged approach, blending transformative media strategies, public education, and direct engagement with equity-denied communities. Guided by principles of intersectionality, the campaign is based on the knowledge that individuals often experience discrimination through overlapping identities such as race, gender, sexual orientation, and ability.

The campaign’s collaborative nature is one of its greatest strengths. It draws insights from equity-denied groups—including Black, Indigenous, Muslim, and LGBTQIA+ communities—through one-on-one conversations, surveys, and guided data-sharing sessions. Zahra described how these conversations revealed unique challenges, such as the lack of resources for Indigenous health in rural areas and the rise of online hate targeting Muslim communities. These insights directly shaped the development of educational content and resources for the campaign, ensuring relevance and impact.

The campaign also addresses broader audiences through its accessible website and social media presence. The website is designed to provide quick, easy access to crisis hotlines, anti-racism education, and tools for fostering anti-racist practices for individuals and organizations in the health, social services, business and educational sectors. Social media platforms amplify these resources and provide posts that inspire reflection by presenting educational content in an approachable way.

This Stop Tolerhating team recognizes the challenges of combating hate, ranging from resistance by individuals who deny the existence or severity of discrimination to those who refuse to change—particularly when they are not directly impacted or perceive advantages in maintaining the status quo. However, Zahra emphasized the importance of grounding the campaign in facts and meaningful engagement. “We’ve received a mix of feedback, but seeing how it resonates with the community makes it worth it.”

As Stop Tolerhating evolves, the campaign will continue adapting to emerging challenges and societal needs, such as the rise of anti-Asian racism post-COVID-19. With this flexibility, the campaign remains dynamic, responsive, and rooted in its mission to build a more inclusive London. The ultimate reward is fostering a city where diversity is celebrated, and hate is no longer tolerated. The passion and leadership of those involved in this project are the driving forces behind this transformative initiative.

Together, CRHESI, the City of London, and their collaborators are proving that tackling hate requires bold strategies, sustained commitment, and the collective voices of a diverse community.

Exciting Job Opportunity with IDHC: ICS Project Coordinator

Are you passionate about promoting Indigenous health and wellness? Do you have experience in curriculum development, adult education, and a deep understanding of Indigenous cultural safety? The Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle (IDHC) is looking for a dedicated ICS Project Coordinator to join their team on a full-time, 2-year contract basis. This role offers the flexibility to work remotely within Ontario while contributing to meaningful projects that aim to address diabetes prevention and care through culturally safe and trauma-informed approaches.

About the Role: As the ICS Project Coordinator, you will lead the development of four innovative Indigenous Cultural Safety Training modules. These modules will focus on trauma-informed care and will be part of an Indigenous Trauma-Informed Diabetes Care Certificate. Key responsibilities include collaborating with Indigenous Knowledge Holders, Elders, and subject-matter experts, facilitating training sessions, and ensuring the program meets high standards of quality and effectiveness.

Why Join IDHC? IDHC is committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle with a focus on diabetes prevention and awareness, especially within Indigenous communities. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact by developing training that integrates Indigenous knowledge with clinical best practices. Additionally, IDHC values life experience and personal healing journeys, ensuring a holistic approach to both their work and workplace culture.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit their cover letter, resume, and references by noon on July 27, 2024, via email to IDHC Human Resource Manager at officemanager@idhc.life. IDHC is committed to providing accommodations throughout the hiring process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

For more details and to apply, visit IDHC’s website.

Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute to a meaningful project that bridges Indigenous ways of knowing with modern healthcare practices. Join IDHC in making a difference in the lives of Indigenous peoples across Ontario.

Black Histories Project Coordinator Position Available

Are you passionate about Black history and eager to contribute to your community? The London Black History Coordinating Committee (LBHCC), in partnership with the London & Middlesex Heritage Museum (L&MHM) – Fanshawe Pioneer Village, is looking for a dedicated Black Histories Project Coordinator.

Position Details:

  • Contract Duration: July 2024 – June 30, 2025
  • Location: Fanshawe Pioneer Village with potential for hybrid work

This role offers a unique opportunity to engage with the community, support educational programs, and help increase public understanding of London’s Black histories.

How to Apply:

For more information, please refer to the attached document.

Project Coordinator Job Description