Members of the York community celebrated Black artistic talent during a showcase of performances on Feb. 7 at the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora’s annual Black History Month event, Word, Sound, Power: An Annual Celebration of Black Artistic Expression.

The event celebrated the rich and diverse world of Black artistic expression and was a vibrant showcase of talent, creativity and cultural pride.

This year’s featured performances included:

• solo performances, including song and instruments, dance and spoken word, from students from Greater Toronto Area school boards;
• a performance from the Oscar Peterson Jazz Ensemble;
• a performance from the York University R&B Ensemble;
• a spotlight artistic performance of the evening from Ian Kamau, an artist and designer;
• a performance from the York University Gospel Choir; and
• an Afro-Caribbean dance performance by students from James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School in the CIBC Lobby during the welcome reception.

This year’s Word, Sound, Power event was put on in partnership with York University’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design and the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies, with primary sponsorship from Unifor. York’s Division of Equity, People & Culture also provided funding support.