2021 VIRTUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION

We hope to see you on February 26th between 12pm-3pm on YouTube Live @BHMrootedandresilient or follow @yorkulions for this important celebration! The virtual celebration, Rooted and Resilient, is in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the national declaration of Black History Month in Canada; also, the United Nations (UN) designated and proclaimed that the decade from 2015-2024 is dedicated as the international decade for people of African descent.  

Gwyn Chapman and Ray Gover will be hosting this virtual celebration, which will feature the following program: 

• The Honorable MP Judy Sgro and the Honorable MP Mary Ng, welcome messages  
• The Honorable Jean Augustine, keynote speaker   
• Rosemary Sadlier, keynote speaker
• Teni Odetoyinbo, Land acknowledgement
• Bolu Sings, special musical performance 
• Winston LaRose, a.k.a. Mr. Jane and Finch, keynote speaker
• Paul Jones, featured speaker
• Mark-Anthony Kaye and Cynthia Appiah, a special interview 
• Jamal Campbell, featured speaker
• York University's President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Rhonda L. Lenton, and Vice-President Equity, People & Culture Sheila Cote-Meek, a message on Black History Month 
• Jaxon Hume, special reading 
• Highly-Favored Blake, musical performance  
• Dr. Maurice Bygrave, featured speaker
• The Basement Gang, special performance 
• Bob Marley Legacy, musical tribute  
• Edo Royal Troupe, dance presentation 
• Nelson Mandela Legacy, video tribute 
• Gwyn Chapman, closing message

Virtual Black History Month Rooted & Resilient Celebration is brought to you by the Jane Finch Concerned Citizens Organization (the JFCCO) PROJECT and JF-ECI Initiative. It was made possible by the stewardship of Elder Winston Larose and his Jane and Finch Concerned Citizens Organization, driven in conjunction with the Athletics & Recreation Department at York University and in coalition with many local community organizations & leaders. This virtual event represents the start of a year-long capacity-building Program to celebrate Black/African Peoples' achievements and contributions to Canadian society. To find out more about the JFCCO Project, please visit mrjaneandfinch.com