TSN 690 is proud to mark Black History Month in Montreal throughout the month of February. We invite you to get involved, get informed, and support Black History Month in the city.
Below, is a list of local resources, events and stories from Black Montrealers who have left their mark and contributed to the rich cultural tapestry that makes up our city.
Rhodnie Desir
Musician, actor and broadcaster Gregory Charles tells the story of choreographer and community activist Rhodnie Desir:
Jocko Alston
Stand-up comedian and actor Andrew Searls looks back at the contributions of actor and comedian Jocko Alston:
The Unknown Black Person
Lawyer emeritus and negotiator of the Government of Canada's Truth and Reconciliation mandate, Tamara Thermitus pays hommage to the unknown Black person:
Bennedict Mathurin, Luguentz Dort, Chris Boucher and Olivier Maxence Prosper
Broadcaster Meeker Guerrier recognizes some of Quebec's most successful basketball players that made it into the NBA: Bennedict Mathurin, Luguentz Dort, Chris Boucher and Olivier Maxence Prosper:
Gemma Raeburn-Baynes
Journalist Akil Alleyne shares the story of his mentor, Gemma Raeburn-Baynes:
Egbert Gaye
CTV Montreal's Maya Johnson looks back at the life of Egbert Gaye:
Frederick R. Phillips
Tracy Phillips shares the story of her father, Frederick R. Phillips:
Yolande James
Bruny Surin shares the story of Yolande James:
Trevor Williams
Joel Anthony shares Trevor Williams' story:
Noel-Patric Brady
Shane Brady shares the story of his father Noel-Patric Brady:
Pat Dillon-Moore
Marlene Jennings shares the story of Pat Dillon-Moore:
Mariah Inger
Tristan D. Lalla shares the story of Mariah Inger:
Black History Month Events in Montreal:
Below are a handful of special events, as curated by The Round Table on Black History Month. You can find more at MoisHistoireDesNoirs.com.
Concert: Distant Echoes of Africa, February 6, 7:30 p.m., Centre Pierre-Péladeau, Salle Pierre-Mercure
The Orchestre Classique de Montréal, under the direction of conductor Kalena Bovell and with soprano Suzanne Taffot, invites everyone to take part in an enriching and moving program, which will include works by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, George Walker, and William Grant Still—and a world premiere of the song cycle Le Deuil des roses qui s’effeuillent by David Bontemps. This concert pays tribute to the impact that these essential artists have had and highlights the 80th anniversary of the death of Jacques Roumain, whose poems inspired some of these works.
Rhythms & Resistance | Sounds & Pressure: Reggae in a Foreign Land, February 7 – 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Espace ONF
This evening will highlight reggae in Canada through a screening of Sounds & Pressure, followed by a discussion with the directors. The event will also include the exclusive launch of exhibition The String Up, organized by the Afrosonic Innovation Lab, which celebrates the history behind reggae and sound-system culture in Montreal. CKUT DJs will provide the music, while The Caribbean Food Factory will serve up food throughout the evening.
Afropolitain Nomade Show, February 9 and 10 – 6:30 p.m., McCord Stewart Museum
Festival Afropolitain Nomade, in collaboration with the McCord Stewart Museum, presents an artistic residency from January 29 to February 8, 2024, at the Afromuseum, bringing together artists from various countries. Their creations will be unveiled on February 9 and 10, 2024, at the McCord Stewart Museum. Four artists—instrumentalists, singers, and creators—will present the results of their collaborative creation, as part of a multicultural event that promises to unveil enriching musical discoveries.
Black Theatre Workshop Presents: Vierge, by Rachel Mutombo, Segal Centre, Feb 12 - March
Canada's longest-running Black theatre company, is proud to present Vierge, a compelling new play by award-winning Montreal playwright Rachel Mutombo. This production delves into the intricate dynamics of a Congolese-Canadian community, exploring themes of respectability, politics, sexuality, spirituality, and belonging through the experiences of four teenage girls. More here.
Annual blood drive – 15th Edition, February 15 – 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., CEDA and Plaza Côte-des-Neiges
Each year in collaboration with Héma-Québec, the Round Table on Black History Month organizes a blood drive to support people suffering from sickle cell anemia and highlight the critical contributions Black communities make to the Quebec blood supply.
Screening of The Draft, Cinéma du Musée, February 18 – 6:30 p.m.
Jephté Bastien’s film The Draft will be screened at the Cinéma du Musée. Jack, a young African-American man whose dreams of a hockey career were shattered by a racist attack, places his aspirations in the hands of his talented younger brother, Will, who is part of the younger generation. Through all this, they must navigate persistent racism and Montreal’s intimidating police presence.
Step Afrika! dance show, February 23 – 4 p.m., Place des Arts, Théâtre Maisonneuve
South Africa’s lively rhythms will make a stop at Place des Arts. Since its creation in 1994, Step Afrika!—known worldwide for its percussive dances and its blend of African sounds—has performed in no fewer than 60 countries. With 18 full-time artists, the troupe uses the stage as a means of expression, combining songs, stories, and humour with rhythmic dances.
Conversations Noires, February 28 and March 1, Livart
Conversations Noires is back for its 7th edition! It’s an intergenerational conference where community pioneers come together to explore cultural themes through discussion panels, workshop series, artistic experiences, and more.
