February, as many of you know, is Black History Month. Canada began celebrating the legacy and contributions of black people and honoring those who fought for equal rights and the end of slavery way back in 1995. Why February you ask? Because it marks the birthday of renowned abolitionist Frederick Douglass (Feb. 14) and U.S. President Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12), who abolished slavery.
Calgary is becoming a diverse city and there are many events going on throughout the month put on by various organizations. Here’s a quick rundown and I’ll keep you updated if I find more. Go out and enjoy these events! Got an opinion? Scroll to the bottom!
Afrikadey! and Calgary’s African Canadian Community Presents
Black Rhythms Week
Feb 5th, 2010
EPCOR CENTRE’ Jack Singer Concert Hall
7:00pm : Pre-Show performance by Adrianne Williams and Tim Williams
8:00pm : The Nathaniel Dett Chorale
Tickets – 28$. Call 403.294.9494.
NBCC Calgary Presents
Black Gospel Concert 2010
Featuring: Showers of Blessings; Apostolic Ark Choir; Divine Directives; Sparkles of the Gospel; Canadian University; Colleges (CUC); Berean International; Church Youth Choir; Devon Powell; Revv 52; 4G’s; Kings Kid Club; Falconridge Full Gospel; Paul Gardener and much more.
When: Saturday, February 13, 2010 7PM to 10PM
Where: Jubilee Auditorium Southern Alberta
1415 – 14Ave NW Calgary, AB
Admission: Adults – $25 / Seniors and Children (5-10) – $20
Tickets are available at ticket master, Island Beat, Mayfair foods, Joycee’s, Showers of Blessing Church, Caribbean Choice Food as well as participants.
Black History Month’s
Location: Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
When: Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 7:00 PM
The National Black Coalition of Canada Society, Calgary Chapter is holding it’s annual “Black Gospel Concert” in celebration of Black History Month on Saturday February 13, 7PM at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. This concert features many of Calgary’s own Gospel Singers from the Black Community. Please visit www.nbcccalgary.org for more information.
On another note, what do you think about Black History Month? Any queries or qualms? Personally, as someone who can kind-of associate with the black community, I understand the significance and meaning behind celebrating the legacy of the abolition of slavery and of black individuals throughout history. Some, and I see this side too, believe it’s an unnecessary, perhaps counter-productive, distinction. Where is White History Month? Or Asian Appreciation Month? In the wise words of Morgan Freeman, “You’re going to relegate my history to a month? … I don’t want a Black History Month. Black history is American history.”
What do you think?
