We are proud to share that Brampton Arts Walk of Fame Recipient and Scotiabank Giller Prize-winning author Ian Williams will be in conversation with Jael Richardson, the Executive Director of Brampton's Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD) and published author of many books at Cyril Clark Lecture Theatre on February 8. We look forward to learning about the past 400 years with Channon Oyeniran, Vice President of the Ontario Black History Society, sharing at drumming and batik programs, and presenting our first Black-owned Artisan Market! Intrigued? Read on for the full details and click on the links to register.
Black History Month Programs at Brampton Library
African drumming
Be inspired by the rhythms of West Africa at this interactive performance by Saikou Saho, a masterful drummer from the Gambia. Featuring the healing power of the drum, the beat, the rhythm of the Motherland. Saikou will share his twenty-five-year journey as a teacher, performer, and stable culture keeper in Toronto and abroad.
Chinguacousy, Feb. 4 11 a.m.–12 p.m.
Batik Workshop with Deon Best
Original to Indonesia, this art form was popularized in West Africa, becoming a cultural instrument. Join Visual Arts Brampton artist, Deon Best, in this four-week series exploring Batik as both a form of art and cultural expression. All materials will be provided.
Thursday, February 16, 6-8 p.m.
Saturday, February 25, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Ian Williams in conversation with Jael Richardson
Award-winning author and poet Ian Williams was inducted into the Brampton Arts Walk of Fame in 2021 and won the Scotiabank Giller Prize in 2019. Williams will join us for an on-stage conversation with Jael Richardson, Brampton author and Executive Director of the Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD), about the impact of racial encounters on racialized people, drawing on his non-fiction book Disorientation: Being Black in the World.
Cyril Clark Theatre, Feb. 8, 6–7 p.m.
An overview of 400 years of Black History in Canada with Channon Oyeniran
Suitable for ages 7 to 107, this presentation is an educational and enlightening experience for the whole family. Providing an overview on the rich and expansive history and experiences of people of African descent in Canada over 400 years, topics will include:
- Black and Indigenous enslavement in Canada
- Legacies of enslavement with a focus on anti-Black racism
- The stories and achievements of significant individuals and groups that have contributed to various aspects of Canadian society.
Don't miss this opportunity for you and your family to talk about the various experiences and contributions of Black people in Canada. Channon Oyeniran is a historian, Black history consultant, and lecturer for Black History in Canada. She's the current Vice President of the Ontario
Four Corners, Feb 11, 11–12 p.m.
Black-owned Artisan Market
In recognition of Black History Month, Brampton Library will be hosting a market featuring the work and art of Black artisans. Celebrate the skills of these local business owners devoted to skincare, drawing, sewing, digital art, and so much more.
Chinguacousy Feb. 18, 2–4 p.m.
Enroute 2 Success board games
Join Enroute 2 Success, a Black youth group, for monthly board game socials at Brampton Library. The group will focus on the game of chess and explore various other board games, including those specific to African culture during Black History Month.
Game: Mancala
Chingaucousy Wednesday, Feb. 1, 6-8 p.m.
Chinguacousy Wednesday, Feb. 8, 6-8 p.m.
Chinguacousy Wednesday, Feb. 15, 6-8 p.m.
Chinguacousy Wednesday, Feb. 22, 6-8 p.m.
Chinguacousy Wednesday, Feb. 29, 6-8 p.m.
Black Family Support Program
Malton Neighbourhood Services’ Black Family Support Program (BFSP) provides culturally informed services for Black families within the Region of Peel. The Black Family Parent/Child Drop-in Program is a program for Black children (ages 0-12) and their parents/caregivers. The program has a culturally focused lens for its parenting initiatives and mentorships. It is a fun place to play, explore, sing, and read to support Black children’s social, emotional, and learning development. Black families can connect with one another to increase community awareness, get to know their neighbours, and speak to other adults regarding parenting regarding their cultural and social experiences. Additionally, staff are there to connect resources, system navigation and much more through the program to families who are seeking support.
Chinguacousy, every Thursday from 10:30 a.m. -- 12:30 p.m.
The Gathering
Malton Neighbourhood Services’ Black Family Support Program (BFSP) provides culturally informed services for Black families within the Region of Peel. This group fosters peer support for Black youth in the 2SLGBTQ+ community (ages 14+). The Gathering is an environment that encourages fun and discussions that engages and empowers Black youth to be part of a solution-driven process addressing societal issues that impact them and their peers. Additionally, incorporating 2SLGBTQ+ education to combat the stigma Black 2SLGBTQ+ community faces. The Gathering is a low-barrier drop-in, which is comprised of both formal and informal programming. Activities include guest speakers, workshops, guided conversations, recreational activities, open discussions and more!
Four Corners, every Thursday from 4 -- 6 p.m.
905-793-4636