As part of the 2012 TD Black History Celebration, BAND presented Black to the Future - a discussion with famed journalist, author, and cultural commentator, Touré. Hosted by CBC Radio's Metro Morning host, Matt Galloway, the interview dived deeper into themes presented by Touré's book Who's Afraid of Post-Blackness. Many interesting anecdotes about Touré's own personal life were uncovered, with moments of laughter and enlightenment peppered throughout the entire presentation. Much to the delight of the audience, the floor was opened to questions after the close of the discussion. Topics ranged from the Trayvon Martin case, to Barack Obama's presidency, to more intimate questions on race and reality, making for a very engaging and entertaining event.
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In an age where Media drives consumption in many different ways, representation on a mainstream scale is extremely important. In a timely and revealing discussion, BAND and G98.7FM examined the need for a radio stationed dedicated to programming targeted towards the growing Caribbean & African diasporic communities in the GTA. We explored whether the station was simply trying to be everything to everyone, or if its very diversity is a significant reflection of the community it seeks to represent.
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My craft is like a second language to me and like every language, it starts in my mind. If I can see it in my mind, I can touch it with my hands. The themes in my art are an education of life. An education of inspirations and lessons that constitute who we are and what makes us proud to be thus - human - African. About the Artist: Le’vi Lingwabo is an award winning artist for Best New Media in Zambia, currently living and working in Toronto. Le’vi works with a variety of mediums such as painting, sculpting, woodwork, and experimenting with wrought iron, wood, fabric, craft wire and other construction materials. He is the recipient of an honorarium PhD in Fine Art from the African Art Institute in South Africa, as well as the founder of The Bohemia Arts and Crafts Center (BAC Center), a Zambian organization dedicated to provide artistic designed woodenware to the community to promote locally made products by blocking out the influx of imported goods. “Second Language” will be displayed from Saturday, February 18th to Friday, February 24th, 2012. (Gallery will be open Family Day. We encourage patrons with children to attend, as there will be some interactive pieces.)
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After it's resounding success on the world stage, BAND partnered with Mirvish Productions to bring the Tony Award winning musical FELA! to Toronto. At an exclusive reception following Opening Night, BAND treated special invited guests to a unique opportunity to mix and mingle with the talented cast of this critically acclaimed show. BAND was also able to offer discounted tickets to our supporters, which in turn resulted in nearly 800 tickets being purchased with our exclusive Promo Code.
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In July 2011 BAND and Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival were proud to present Toronto's Carnival: Festival Photographs from 1967 and Today and The Art of Carnival, in partnership with The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) and the Gladstone Hotel. This exhibit marked the world premiere of the work of Toronto-based artist Nation Cheong at the ROM and the Gladstone Hotel. Cheong’s contemporary photography was juxtaposed with archival photos and film footage to capture and communicate the myriad of experiences that have been a part of the Carnival experience in Toronto from its roots in 1967 to today. A photographer, musician, and community developer, Cheong's work explored Caribbean cultural practice and marginalization to examine the themes of mass, emancipation, calypso and pan as expressed in carnival in both Toronto and Trinidad
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This event examined Barak Obama’s historic rise to becoming the first Black President of the United States and what this meant to Canadians in Black communities. Voices representing Toronto’s diverse populace discussed strategies for political reform within their own neighbourhoods, and attendees left the event with a sense of pride and the motivation to start their own movements for change.
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With Valentine's Day providing a provocative backdrop, poet DeGaulle Mbyayingabo and authors Helena Andrews Bitch is the New Black, Dalton Higgins Fatherhood 4.0 and Kayla Perrin Control, gathered to discuss Black Romance in the 21st Century. With ample studies citing that Black women are less likely to marry than women from other racial groups, it seems that the state of Black love may be in trouble. To explore the causes and possible solutions, panellists and attendees discussed how Black love is depicted in popular literature and how Black people can encourage and maintain romantic ties not only between themselves, but also with others regardless of race or culture. Filmmaker and actor, Sharon Lewis led what ultimately became a timely and lively discussion for the lovelorn and for those lucky in love.
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Held in partnership with the Gladstone Hotel, (MISSED)-Perceived marked the world premiere of the latest work by up and coming Toronto photographer Christina Leslie. In her work, Leslie juxtaposes text and photography to capture and communicate the myriad of experiences that define Black and Urban life in Canada and abroad. Part photographer, part 21st century Griot, Leslie continues to showcase her exploration of race, identity and marginalization through a satirical depiction of minstrel show imagery that examines the effects of enduring stereotypes on modern-day African and Diasporic communities. Those lucky enough to attend were able to connect with the subjects in the photographs on an emotional level to gain inspiration and insight into their own lives and experiences.
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