The virtual event will be packed with 2 days of educational and entertaining performances hosted by Charles Waterman. Saturday, February 5th, 2022 at 7pm and Sunday February 6th, 2022 at 2pm. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.com.

This year’s event is presented in partnership with Elexicon Energy, The Town of Ajax, The City of Pickering, Durham Children’s Aid Foundation, The Congress of Black Women (Ajax/Pickering & Oshawa/Whitby) and the Durham Black Coalition. The theme is simply entitled “Fifteenth” with a look back at the momentous events that continue to shape the tone and direction of diversity across Canada and in Durham region over the past 15 years. It features vocal performances by Kunle and Juno-nominated artist, Julian Taylor. There will also be riveting spoken word performances by the Black Star Spoken Word Team, along with some electric dance and African drumming from Afiwi Groove and a performance of the national anthem by steelband, Pan Fantasy. 

One of the most important moments of the event will be the presentation by Elexicon Energy of the prestigious 2022 Madiba award to DDSB trustee, Patrice Barnes. The award honours a leader of African ancestry in Durham Region whose experience embodies Nelson Mandela’s values, vision, and a commitment to overcome barriers in his long fight for freedom and equality. In honour of the 15th anniversary a Lifetime Achievement award will also be presented.

“Elexicon Energy is honoured to be a part of the Annual Durham Black History Month Celebration. We serve over 171,000 customers across the region and it is important for us to recognize and support the Black businesses, leaders and families in our communities,” says Indy Butany-DeSouza President and CEO, Elexicon Energy. “We embrace the richness that they bring to the cities and towns that we call home, we must celebrate them during Black History Month and throughout the year.”

From the Durham Black History Month Chair, Esther Forde – “We want everyone to join us in celebration, enjoy the performances, discover something new or maybe deepen their knowledge of what they may have already known. Although we are apart, our history unites us together. We’re happy to partner with Elexicon Energy this year. They also have the great honour of presenting the Madiba Award to a leader in the region during the event.

The Durham Regional Police Services Board, Durham District School Board, Durham Region, Rotary Pickering and Rotary Ajax also sponsor the event.

For tickets https://durhambhm2022.eventbrite.ca