Celebrations offer opportunities for youth and artists in honour of Black History Month

TORONTO, February 3, 2016 — In celebration of Black History Month, TD Bank Group presents a series of dynamic events that celebrate Black arts and culture in Canada and inspire young Black Canadians.

Now in its eighth consecutive year, the TD Black History Month series provides Canadians with an opportunity to learn about the important contributions and achievements of those of African ancestry living in Canada, through a diverse range of programming. The series offers a variety of arts and culture programs throughout February, including three new marquee events in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.

“TD is proud to again celebrate Black History Month with an arts and culture series that showcases the many accomplishments of Black Canadians past and present,” says Scott Mullin, Vice President, Community Relations, TD. “In presenting this series, TD's goal is to help established and emerging artists further connect Black arts and culture to Canadian communities."

For the full TD Black History Month schedule, visit TD Diversity Events: www.tddiversityevents.com.

Highlights from the 2016 program include:

Toronto
TD Presents BXC Black Xpo & Celebration
February 26, 2016
Design Exchange

In Toronto, the TD Black History Month series is showcasing well-known and up-and-coming artists at the first-ever TD sponsored BXC (Black Xpo & Celebration) being held at the Design Exchange. 

Black Xpo is an all-day event offering experiential arts programs for local highschool students; followed by an evening gala – The Black Diamond Ball.

The first-ever Black Diamond Ball is a celebration of the Black creative arts community, starring two-time Grammy nominated R&B singer, Andra Day, together with local drummers, vocalists, dancers and performers. Jully Black, Maestro Fresh Wes, Ray Robinson, Gary Beals and Carlos Morgan will also perform at the event.

Tickets for the Black Diamond Ball are available at www.ArtXperiential.com. Ticket proceeds benefit ArtXperiential, a non-profit that showcases and supports Canadian artists.

Montreal
TD Presents MUSICALIZM
February 26, 2016
Rialto Theatre

One of the most exciting highlights of the TD Black History Month series in Montreal is MUSICALIZM, a spirited homage to Black music. 

The two hour musical review is being staged in collaboration with Just For Laughs and Melting Pot and features an exciting line-up of stars.

Tickets are available at www.hahaha.com/meltingpot.

Ottawa
TD Presents the 2016 Black History Month Gala
February 20, 2016
The Museum Of History

TD teams up with Artxperiential and The Mandela Legacy for the Canadian Black History Month Expo and Gala.

The interactive expo invites attendees to engage with and learn from visual artists, writers, business adviser's, musicians, filmmakers, photographers and other prominent figures of Ottawa’s creative industries.

The Black History Month Gala seeks to promote, inspire recognize and strengthen excellence in community-service and honour great icons and inspiring community members.

Tickets are available at www.bhmgala.com/.

About ArtXperiential Projects

ArtXperiential Projects is a not-for-profit arts organization with a mission is to support emerging and established artists, encouraging dialogue and experimentation through workshops, events and exhibition opportunities. ArtXperiential Projects creates opportunities for artists and performers to promote their work in avenues that they commonly may not have access to. ArtXperiential Projects spotlights the importance of originality across every creative discipline, celebrating diversity and cultivating opportunities that are inclusive of all diversity groups.

About TD Community Giving

TD Bank Group invests in communities in order to effect positive change in the places where it operates and where its customers and employees live and work. In 2015, TD donated more than $92.5 million to community organizations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In Canada, TD focuses on education and financial literacy, creating opportunities for young people and the environment. For further information, please visit www.td.com/corporate-responsibility.