Celebrating diverse voices & stories from across Canada, The TD Ready Commitment launches nationwide events through the month of February for Black History Month. Earlier this week, we were invited to check out the launch of the TD Ready Commitment’s Black History Series.
Photo Credit – Jerimi Jones for Jones and Jones Productions
Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and pioneering hip-hop legend, Maestro Fresh Wes, hosted the event, alongside appearances from multi-award-winning top Canadian talent Jully Black, Tonya Williams, Exco Levi, and more. In addition, filmmaker and director, Nate Burland from The Remix Project. Internationally award-winning Canadian actress and Reelworld Film Festival founder, executive and artistic director Tonya Williams, was also on-hand for a behind the scenes look from Burland’s upcoming short film, ROYAL.
Photo Credit – Jerimi Jones for Jones and Jones Productions
A moderated panel discussed the importance of amplifying diverse voices and stories from within the community. After all, without the supporters, all of this wouldn’t be possible. Jully Black also gave a sample from her musical theatre debut. CAROLINE OR CHANGE runs from January 30th – February 15th at the Winter Garden Theatre by internationally renowned Canadian soprano Measha Brueggergosman, who plays The Moon. JUNO Award-winning reggae virtuoso Exco Levi also performed at the launch. His performance lent a preview to the fifth annual Tribute to the Legends of Reggae tour this February 8th and 9th in Brampton and Montreal, respectively.
Photo Credit – Jerimi Jones for Jones and Jones Productions
This year’s TD Black History Month Series also includes several other events and exhibits in Toronto. The Toronto Black Film Festival takes place from Feb. 12 to 17 at multiple venues in the city, including an intimate evening with Spike Lee, the recipient of the festival’s 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre Feb. 13th. Kuumba celebrates its 25th anniversary this year with a month full of talks, workshops, performances, exhibitions and more at Harbourfront Centre. This year’s festival launches with a DJ Skate Nights party Feb. 1. The Black Diamond Ball takes place Feb. 29 at the Fairmont Royal York, with an evening of food, dancing, networking and celebrating the accomplishments of Canada’s black community. The formal event, which brings together influencers, business leaders and the arts community, will support Artxperiential Projects’ #safespace365 youth antibullying and anti-violence initiative.
Photo Credit – Jerimi Jones for Jones and Jones Productions
Visit communityevents.td.com for more information about this year’s TD Black History Month Series and a full list of events.