CBC is celebrating BLACK HISTORY MONTH throughout February with a wide range of programming on all platforms featuring Black creators, storytellers and changemakers, curated and discoverable in one place on CBC’s BEING BLACK IN CANADA website (cbc.ca/BeingBlackInCanada).
Highlighting the stories and experiences of Black Canadians year-round, BEING BLACK IN CANADA provides a breadth of content celebrating the culture and achievements of Canada’s Black communities while also offering a window into their struggles. In February, the site will continue to be a hub to showcase Black History Month content from across all areas of CBC including news, documentaries, arts and music.
Throughout February, BEING BLACK IN CANADA will also offer a series of feature stories on Black men making a difference in their communities. Following in the footsteps of the acclaimed HERstory In Black initiative and in response to the recent, ongoing reckoning on race inspiring many to push for change, CBC News and BEING BLACK IN CANADA are shining a spotlight on Black men who are continuing their journey for social justice and are more determined than ever to effect long-lasting change. These stories will be featured on the dedicated site and across CBC News including The National and Canada Tonight with Ginella Massa, and will be showcased in a half-hour CBC News Network special hosted by Asha Tomlinson, with more details to be announced in early February. Follow Being Black in Canada on Instagram at @cbcbeingblackincanada.
Highlights of CBC’s Black History Month programming include the following:
CBC NEWS
BEING BLACK IN CANADA FEATURES, throughout February
BLACK CHANGEMAKERS, launches Mon. Feb. 1 at cbc.ca/montreal
CBC Quebec is recognizing current-day changemakers who are helping to shape the future of their community. The initiative will highlight individuals from Quebec’s Black communities who are making positive changes, giving back and inspiring others on all platforms.
BLACK ON THE PRAIRIES, launches Mon. Feb. 22 at cbc.ca/blackontheprairies
Black on the Prairies explores the history and present lives of Black Prairie Canadians through their triumphs, challenges, and places their contributions at the very center of the Prairie narrative as part of the Canadian story. Black on the Prairies is a multiplatform project led by CBC News teams in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, produced by Ify Chiwetelu and Omayra Issa.
CBC ARTS
21 BLACK FUTURES, three-part series launches Fri. Feb. 12 on CBC Gem
An anthology of 21 filmed monodramas commissioned from 21 multigenerational Black playwrights across the country, directed by 21 Black directors and performed by 21 Black actors. Aligned with Black History Month and Obsidian Theatre’s 21st anniversary, Artistic Director Mumbi Tindyebwa Otu commissioned 21 BLACK FUTURES to respond to the question, “What is the future of Blackness?”
CBC DOCS
NANCY’S PRO TIPS, four-part series directed by Aïcha Diop begins streaming Fri. Feb. 19 on CBC Gem
Once a month, Nancy Falaise closes the doors to her Montreal salon to lead a workshop for young Black girls eager to learn how to care for their natural hair. Falaise was first featured in CBC Short Doc Nancy’s Workshop, and this new four-part series shares even more hair care tips from her workshops.
CBC GEM
BLACK HISTORY MONTH COLLECTION, begins streaming Mon. Feb. 1
A collection of over 50 Canadian and international titles including the exclusive Canadian premieres of acclaimed BBC film ANTHONY and U.S. sketch comedy SHERMAN’S SHOWCASE, and documentaries GIANTS OF AFRICA featuring Masai Ujiri and HOW IT FEELS TO BE FREE from executive producer Alicia Keys.
CBC KIDS
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH COLLECTION, begins streaming Mon. Feb. 1 on CBC Gem
CBC Kids and CBC Gem will launch a CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH collection that features stories of Black Canadians, young and old, who are making a difference, including a brand new Rap Battle. In the latest entry in the fun and educational Lunchbox Rap Battle series, Studio K hosts Tony and Janaye celebrate with a song featuring some of the most prominent Black Canadians in history.
CBC SPORTS
BRING IT IN WITH MORGAN CAMPBELL, throughout February
In February, four new episodes of Bring It in – CBC Sports’ weekly panel discussion – will continue to feature conversations around the intersection of sports, race and culture through the experienced voices of Morgan Campbell, Meghan McPeak and Dave Zirin.
PLAYER’S OWN VOICE feature by Natey Adjei, coming in February
The Toronto Argonauts receiver shares his thoughts in a new episode of this ongoing podcast series on why now is the time for athletes to raise their voices.
Profile of Lee Anna Osei, coming in February
An in-depth feature on the founder of the Black Canadian Coaches Association.
Also launching during Black History Month:
CBC MUSIC
THE BLOCK, launches Mon. Feb 1 on CBC Music and CBC Listen
THE BLOCK is a brand new, two-hour radio show, airing 7 – 9 p.m., Monday through Friday on CBC Music and CBC Listen. Hosted by Edmonton-raised, Toronto-based Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe, THE BLOCK is Canada’s home for music of Black origin. The music played will reflect the many intersections within Black music from across the diaspora; where Soca meets Pop (Rihanna), R&B meets Reggaeton (J Balvin), the transformative leaders in Hip-Hop today (Haviah Mighty, Chika, Clairmont The Second), the elite artists with the ability to execute in multiple genres (Drake, Beyoncé) along with regular nods to the early influencers of Hip-Hop and Funk.
CBC COMEDY
TALLBOYZ, Season 2 of the timely, satirical Canadian sketch comedy premieres Tue. Feb. 16 on CBC TV and CBC Gem
“From spoofing gym bros to skewering racism, ‘TallBoyz’ set new heights in sketch.” – Canadian Press
Measuring in at 25’2” collectively, Guled Abdi, Vance Banzo, Tim Blair and Franco Nguyen return for a new season to jab at popular culture from a very tall point of view. This season’s sketches range from silly, absurdist themes, like taking down a buffet or rearing an oil barrel, to hard-hitting examinations of power, privilege, racism, blackface and spicy food.
