6 events to celebrate Black History Month

by MaRS Discovery District
January 30, 2023

Black History Month returns with panel discussions, conferences and talks that explore the wide ranging impacts Black people have had on Canada and the world.

Connect with Black leaders making a difference

Sheridan Alumni, Sheridan Student Union and the Centre for Equity and Inclusion are hosting two virtual Black History Month Coffee Chats.

On February 1, director, producer, cinematographer and poet Akil McKenzie joins BBA Marketing student Sierra Johnson for a conversation about Historians, McKenzie’s award-winning film exploration of anti-Black racism. February 1, online

On February 22, Love of Literature founder Danielle Norris will speak with Johnson about Canada’s only non-profit book club for Black youth. February 22, online

Overcome imposter syndrome

Even with advances in diversity, equity and inclusion in tech, Black professionals can still struggle to receive the recognition they deserve — which can lead to impostor syndrome feelings. The Black Professionals in Tech Network will host a fireside chat with leading Black technologists from RBC to hear first-hand tips and tricks to quell self-doubt. February 2, online

Discover how artists break down barriers

The University of Toronto Entrepreneurship community will host Inspire: Breaking Down Barriers to Success, a conversation between entrepreneur and TV journalist Fennella Bruce and acclaimed Canadian artist Robert Small. Small is a recipient of the Order of Canada and is known for his work documenting the history of African Canadians, most notably his LEGACY poster series featuring prominent Black Canadians. February 8, University of Toronto Scarborough

Find out what happens when tech meets activism

Your Life Matters is an exhibition of satirical wearable protest gear presented by Toronto-based New Media Arts collective blcknbrwn. Filmmaker Maziar Ghaderi and afrofuturist Tristan Sauer use the pieces to examine how corporations appropriate activist culture. February 16, 110 Bond St.

Dive into movies and poetry

Toronto International Film Festival CEO Cameron Bailey will be the featured speaker at the University of Toronto Advancement’s Black History Month Luncheon. There will also be a performance by Canadian slam poetry champion Eddie Lartey. February 24, 107 George St. & online

Learn how to make it in business, from those who have

Rotman School of Management’s Future Black Business Leaders Conference will inspire the next generation with insights from professionals at the top of their industries. Speakers include Ula Ubani (BMO Financial Group), Robert Davis (KPMG) and Amaryllis Jones (P&G). February 25, Rotman School of Management & online

Want to list your event on our calendar? Submit your tech event here.

Get the latest tech events delivered to your inbox.

Image source: istockphoto

Original Article on MaRS

MaRS Discovery District
https://www.marsdd.com/
MaRS is the world's largest urban innovation hub in Toronto that supports startups in the health, cleantech, fintech, and enterprise sectors. When MaRS opened in 2005 this concept of urban innovation was an untested theory. Today, it’s reshaping cities around the world. MaRS has been at the forefront of a wave of change that extends from Melbourne to Amsterdam and runs through San Francisco, London, Medellín, Los Angeles, Paris and New York. These global cities are now striving to create what we have in Toronto: a dense innovation district that co-locates universities, startups, corporates and investors. In this increasingly competitive landscape, scale matters more than ever – the best talent is attracted to the brightest innovation hotspots.