
Word, Sound, Power: Celebrating Black artistic expression
TORONTO, Feb. 3, 2025 – York University’s annual free celebration of Black artistry, featuring student and professional performances, showcases the creativity and resilience of the Black community, and the richness of its history and culture.
Dance, music, spoken word and more will come together Wednesday, Feb. 5 for an uplifting evening at the annual WORD, SOUND, POWER: An Annual Celebration of Black Artistic Expression. It will include remarks by Jean Augustine talking about what Black History Month signifies and its importance. Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to the Parliament of Canada, introduced the motion in the House of Commons to recognize February as Black History Month.
The theme for this year’s celebration is Past, Present, Future.
Other highlights will include:
- Oscar Paterson Jazz Ensemble, directed by Mike Cado
- York University R&B Ensemble
- Toronto Gospel Choir under the direction of Natalie Stewart
- Spoken word performance by Randell Adjei, the inaugural Poet Laureate of Ontario and author of the book, I Am Not My Struggles
- Various performances by local high schools which York Faculty of Education Professor Carl James, the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora, works with throughout the year
The event will be emceed by York Schulich School of Business Professor Jean Jacques Rousseau.
DAY: Wednesday, Feb. 5
TIME: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Sandra Faire and Ivan Fecan Theatre, Accolade East Building, York’s Keele Campus