ECHOES OF GREATNESS: CELEBRATING BLACK CANADIAN LEGACY, ARTS AND FUTURES

CACD Black History Month 2026 Event
Echoes of Greatness: Celebrating Black Canadian Legacy, Arts and Futures

Tuesday, 24 February 2026
4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Main programme: 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

LC Taylor Auditorium, Mississauga Valley Community Centre, Mississauga

Since 2005, Citizens for the Advancement of Community Development has proudly brought communities together to honour Black History Month through education, culture, and celebration. In 2026, CACD invites the community to a meaningful and inspiring evening that reflects on our shared history, celebrates artistic excellence, and points toward the futures we are building together.

Documentary screening and discussion (4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.)
The evening opens with a documentary screening on the Atlantic Slave Trade, produced by Shelley Jarrett, followed by a Q&A. This reflective and educational segment grounds the celebration in historical truth while honouring resilience, resistance, and legacy.

Cultural welcome and reception (6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.)
Guests are welcomed to a vibrant pre-programme reception featuring Caribbean steelpan music, an art exhibition, and a meet-the-artist conversation with Jamaican-Canadian painter Philemon Campbell. Caribbean cultural cuisine will be served, offering rich flavours, aromatic spices, and traditional favourites that celebrate heritage, hospitality, and shared table fellowship.

Opening ceremony (6:30 p.m.)
The main programme begins with opening remarks and a welcome by Ron Cunningham, Founder and CEO of CACD, followed by a land acknowledgement and the Canadian and Black national anthems performed by Dr Winston Hurlock.

Programme highlights
The evening features a dynamic mix of performances and presentations, including the fashion showcase Threads of Identity: The Story We Wear, presented by designer Tony and Shelley Jarrett; intercultural dance performances by the Oakville Chinese Network; spoken-word hosting by Master of Ceremonies Wali Shah; a keynote address by Dr Kalu, General Secretary of the African Union Sixth Region Global; musical performances by Wes McKenzie and Dr Winston Hurlock; and a featured vocal performance by Christina Smith.

Community and legacy moments
Guests will also experience a Canadian Black Trailblazers tribute and an interactive segment, Our Voices, Our Future, inviting attendees to share words of legacy, resilience, and aspiration.

This Black History Month celebration is more than an event. It is a gathering of stories, culture, leadership, and community spirit.

Spaces are limited.
Register now via Eventbrite and join us on 24 February for an evening of reflection, celebration, and connection.

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Host or Publisher Citizens for the Advancement of Community Development