Black Diamond Ball pivots to virtual gala
Anuual event can be enjoyed this weekend online and on Citytv
Black History Month is going out with a vibrant bang this year, with an entirely virtual gala showcasing Toronto’s best Black talent.
The sixth annual Black Diamond Ball will be airing on Feb. 27 and 28 for free viewing, featuring several hours of live music and performance from established artists and up-andcomers alike.
People can catch the event on Feb. 27 starting at 7 p.m. through its website. For the first time, the gala will also be broadcast on national television, starting Feb. 28 at 5 p.m. on Citytv. (The two viewings will be slightly different, with acts changed around.)
The event is presented by notfor-profit ArtXperiential Projects, an organization supporting youth in arts, sports and within at-risk communities.
Shawn Cuffie, the gala’s founder and director of operations with ArtXperiential Projects, said the show will merge both live and pre-recorded segments into one three-hourlong spectacular.
The gala will be split into three parts, with the first and third parts mixing pre-recorded performances with live acts, said Cuffie. The second part, containing the headliners, will be fully pre-recorded.
Headliners include R&B icon Jully Black, opera and classical singer Christina Smith, trumpeter William Leathers and many more. Hosts include KiSS 92.5 radio producer Shem Parkinson and author and former MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes.
Cuffie says the gala has served in past years as the “ultimate” meeting space for Toronto’s Black community. Last year’s was held Feb. 29, less than three weeks before Ontario declared a state of emergency due to COVID-19.
“This is your high school reunion. If people haven’t seen friends in years, this is where they bump into their friends,” he said. “This gives us a place where we can gather and highlight a lot of amazing people … We also expose a lot of businesses and support a lot of youth.”
Their main goal this year is to raise money and support emerging Black artists and youth. Donations will go toward #SafeSpace 365, an arm of ArtXperiential that helps connect at-risk and bullied youth with mentors and helpful organizations. Funds will also support the Ontario College of Art and Design University’s Black Youth Design Initiative.
Cuffie hopes to raise over $20,000 for the twin programs.
“Hopefully, because the event is free, all the money that (attendees normally) use on their dresses and their makeup and their suits, hopefully they'll be willing to donate a portion of that to help us.”
In past years, gala tickets started around the $100 range. This year, in the absence of ticket sales amid the lockdown, sponsors like Rogers, RBC and FACTOR have stepped up to cover costs, Cuffie said.
For Cuffie, one of the main purposes for the event is to share the talents of local Black artists.