Black History Month events abound in the city

Hamilton is celebrating Black History Month with speakers, music, books and films at local venues across the city.

This February, honour the contributions of Black Canadians, including those in Hamilton, and remember important people and events through history.

Here are some of the ways to mark the month:

Read books recommended by Hamilton Public Library that “honour the legacy” of Black Canadians. The list includes fiction, as well as books that explore the histories, art and cultures of Black Canadians. Younger readers can pick from a curated list of nearly 30 books, from picture books to young adult fiction.

Meet Black artists and authors at the Central Library. Throughout February, the downtown branch will host art exhibitions and author talks, as well as a Jackie Washington tribute concert and a screening of Marvel’s “Black Panther.”

Celebrate excellence in Hamilton at the Reverend John C. Holland Awards. The awards recognize academic achievements of the city’s Black youth, offering scholarships for postsecondary education. Tickets for the Feb. 18 event at LiUNA Station are $85 for adults and $70 for youth. There’s a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and awards, and features guest speaker Michel Chikwanine, author of “Child Soldier.”

Join the Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion and TAKEUPSPACE for a screening of “Alma’s Rainbow,” a coming-of-age story of three Black women living in Brooklyn. The movie will be screened at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 21 at 423 King St. E.

Celebrate Black resistance in Hamilton with the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic, the Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre (HARRC) and other partners with food, music and speakers. The event takes place on Feb. 22 at 5:30 p.m. at the Central Library (55 York Blvd.).

For a night of human rights and music, attend “Stories of The Diaspora: Unlocking & Empowering Our Youth,” featuring civil rights activist Minnijean Brown-Trickey, former child soldier Emmanuel Jal and music by Suubi Fusion Troupe. The event, run by Torontobased NEXIM International Development Organization (NIDO), takes place Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Mohawk College’s McIntyre Performing Arts Centre (135 Fennell Ave. W.)

To have a local event or initiative added to the list online, email us at news@thespec.com.

CATHIE COWARD THE HAMILTON SPECTATOR Banners have been hung on street lamps along James Street North, north of Barton, to commemorate the contributions of members of Hamilton’s Black community for Black History month, which starts Feb. 1.