TSN 690 is proud to mark Black History Month in Montreal throughout the month of February.
Now, more than ever, it is crucial to amplify Black voices.
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.
Stories about Black Montrealers by Black Montrealers:
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:
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.
- Diggers
February 1 - 17, Segal Centre for Performing Arts
Black Theatre Workshop is back with the world premiere of Donna-Michelle St. Bernard’s Diggers. The play centres around 3 gravediggers, their dedication to their work, and how they are viewed, and sometimes excluded, by fellow citizens of their village. A tribute to essential workers, Diggers will be presented at The Segal Centre for Performing Arts (Studio), from February 1st to the 17th
- Trey McLaughlin and The Sounds of Zamar
February 2, Place des Arts – Théâtre Maisonneuve
Originally from the United States (Georgia), this gospel and neo-soul group, which has been performing internationally since 2019, will take the stage in Montreal for the first time, as part of The Zamar Experience tour.
- SIRA, a Film by Apolline Traoré
February 2, Cinéma Beaubien
“This new film by Burkinabé director Apolline Traoré, a necessary and poignant work, depicts the harsh reality of African women victimized by terrorism and the resilience they are capable of. It won the Panorama Audience Award at the Berlinale and the Silver Stallion at FESPACO.” (CINEMANIA, 2024)
- Black Winter Fest
As of February 3, Hike Mtl
Hike Mtl is organizing its annual BLK WinterFest, and you’re invited! BLK WinterFest runs for a month and offers up six different winter sports and activities you’re sure to enjoy trying! Transportation and equipment are covered—all you have to do is join the team! Hike Mtl has everything you need to make this winter season an unforgettable experience! See you on the slopes soon!
- Show – Festival Afropolitain Nomade
February 9 and 10, J. Armand Bombardier Theatre at the McCord Stewart Museum
A musical performance that’s the result of an international residency project. A fruitful collaboration between Sandrine Masse (a classically trained Huron-Wendat violist and winner of the first Georges-Dor prize), Mariuska Moukengue (a versatile Congolese artist, director of the international Slamouv festival, and recipient of the 2022 Prince Claus Fund prize from the Dutch royal family), Lydol (a Cameroonian slammer and ambassador of the 2022 Africa-EU Partnership), and Sarah Bergeron (a Canadian guitarist and rhythm and sound designer).
- Annual Blood Drive
February 10, C.É.D.A.
Each year, 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 and Discussion – Afrodiaspora Global
February 14, J. Armand Bombardier Theatre at the McCord Stewart Museum
The documentary Afrodiaspora Global explores the presence of people and cultures of African descent around the world—including well- and lesser-known communities in the Americas and even less known communities in the South Pacific, Indian Ocean, and South Asia. The screening will be followed by a discussion with Sheila S. Walker, an anthropologist and the director of the film, and Khadiatou Sarr, a doctoral student at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) who specializes in international law.
- Montreal Canadiens
Screening of the film Black Ice, followed by a discussion with director Hubert Davis
February 20, Bell Centre, Taverne 1909
Black Ice is an Academy Award- and Emmy Award-nominated documentary directed by filmmaker Hubert Davis. In this film, Davis speaks out about racism in the world of hockey and illustrates its history through the unpublished stories of former and current players from Black and Indigenous communities. These figures include the first Black player in the National Hockey League, Willie O'Ree; former professional hockey player Akim Aliu; as well as Wayne Simmonds and Pernell K. Subban.
- Conversations Noires
February 24
Conversations Noires is back for its 6th edition! An intergenerational conference where pioneers from the community come together to explore culture-related topics through panel discussions, workshop series, art experiences, and more...
