What’s happening in Montreal for Black History Month 2022

It’s Black History Month, and le Mois de l’histoire des noirs 2022 has plenty of events prepared to celebrate contributions to culture from Black artists and explore the histories of Black communities in Montreal and beyond.

NFB panel discussions

Two panel discussions with Black filmmakers are scheduled: in French on February 3, and English on February 4. These live-streamed discussions will stay true to the theme of this year’s Black History Month, “Black Health and Wellness,” with topics such as the unique challenges Black filmmakers face and how to care for oneself and one’s subjects and crew while working on a production. The English panel discussion will be hosted by former NFB producer Selwyn Jacob and will feature Ho Che Anderson, Ajahnis Charley, Tyler Simmonds, and Michèle Stephenson. (Virtual, Feb. 3-4)

Une Fois c’t’un noir documentary streaming

Starting Feb. 4, this French-language documentary about pivotal moments in Black comedy in Quebec will be streaming on Crave. The movie features moments from icons Normand Brathwaite, Boucar Diouf, Garihanna Jean-Louis, Anthony Kavanagh, Eddy King, Michel Mpambara, and Erich Preach. If you aren’t very familiar with the comedy of these Quebecers, this is a great way to get to know them and their contributions to this province’s comedy scene from the comfort of your couch. (Crave, starting Feb. 4)

Massimadi Afro LGBTQ+ Film & art festival

The Massimadi Foundation is bringing back its festival of Afro-queer art for a 14th edition, this time completely virtual and accessible anywhere across Canada. Like every year, this festival is meant to highlight the healing power of art, and its theme this year is “Healing and Euphoria.” Programming will be in English and French—and free! (massimadi.ca, Feb. 11–March 11)

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An Exhibition by Marven Clerveau: Visions Hip Hop QC

Twenty-six-year-old visual artist Marven Clerveau will be featured at the PHI Centre in this solo exhibition about the prominent faces of Quebec’s hip-hop scene. Through a series of portraits and audio, the exhibition curated by music historian and author Vladimir Delva explores four themes: women in hip-hop, entrepreneurial development, longevity in genre, and the next generation. In the context of this exhibition, the PHI Centre has a schedule of events planned, including creative youth workshops, panel discussions and a music show. The exhibition is free, but a ticket is required to visit. (PHI Centre, Feb. 11–March 26)

Djembe workshop

Interested in learning how to play the djembe, the West African percussion instrument that is a hallmark sound of summer Sundays on Mount Royal? This initiation workshop will introduce you to traditional rhythms and techniques, with 20 djembes available for participants. First come, first served. (Marie Uguay Library, Verdun, Feb. 13)

Little Burgundy: From Black Colony to Vibrant 21st Century Neighbourhood

Montreal’s archaeology and history museum Pointe-à-Callière is organizing a conference discussion about Little Burgundy, the Southwest neighbourhood with a vibrant Black community that has a long, fascinating history. Guest speaker Dr. Dorothy Williams, a historian specializing in Black Canadian history, will delve deep into the evolving status and livelihoods of the neighbourhood’s inhabitants. Discover the history of this area, from how it contributed to Montreal’s reputation as a hub of jazz in the 1920s, to how it is working tirelessly to preserve its history for generations to come. (Virtual, Feb. 18)

The New Faces of Afro-Jazz

Les Productions Nuits d’Afriques has paired up with TD Bank to present a jam-packed night of virtual shows highlighting emerging musical talents who are inspired by their African heritage. Three acts will be presented, with two of them filmed live. Dayme Arocena of Cuba will kick off the night with a show filmed in Montreal last November, in which she mixes traditional Santerian singing with contemporary R&B, jazz and Afro-Cuban rhythms. Next will be Donald Dogbo filmed live at le National with some guests, playing songs from his recently released album Coubli, which blends jazz with traditional African rhythms from the Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Senegal. Ending the night will be the Montreal-based electro-jazz duo Topium, performing excerpts from a new project developed in collaboration with musicians from Guadeloupe. This new project explores the roots of Gwo-ka music using electro-jazz — electro-ka! (Virtual, Feb. 24)

Ode to the Black woman

Femmes en Emploi and the Centre Communautaire le Coumbite de Laval have teamed up to present a virtual event exploring the contributions of Black women to Quebec society, put together by Black artists. Blending spoken word, slam, theatre and music, this Black History Month closing activity will end with distinction presented to someone who stands out for their work within their community. (Virtual, Feb. 26)

For more, please visit the Black History Month Montreal website.

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