black future month
B Current's B inc Program is proud to announce a partnership with multidisciplinary Toronto based artists and educators to bring you a diverse range of Black History month programming for participants ages 6 - adults. Sessions are available for educational, community, corporate and arts-based partners. Our educators are talented, offering unique opportunities for learning and engagement. Offering flexible booking from November through June.
Image Description: A black streak is overlaid with the text “Black Future Month 2019"
Image Description: A black streak is overlaid with the text “Black Future Month 2019"
meet the facilitators
Image Description: Linked images to artist bios and websites. Left to right, an image of Dainty Smith, a Black woman with one hand in the air and looking up at the sky mysteriously; an image of Dr. Omisoore Dryden, a Black woman smiles at the camera; an image of Ekow Nimakow, a Black man wearing shades and proudly facing the camera; an image of Rania El Mugammar, a Black woman with flowers in her hair looking at the camera from the side.
Black Canada: Life and Art (session for students)
This presentation engages students in learning about the Black people in Canada from the transatlantic slave trade to the present. Students will explore Black Canadian art, culture and lives through engaging with poetry, visual art and movement (as observers and/or participants). Contributions to art, science, culture and language by Black Canadians will be shared. Students will explore the concepts of racism and exclusion through a lens that is motivated by empathy and action. Participants will learn how to recognize and address prejudiced behavior and how to support each other to create a safe and inclusive school and community.
Duration: 1 Hour
Size: Flexible
Fees: Sessions range from $200 to $2000 depending on content, duration, number of participants and format, we can work with your budget and your needs to deliver high impact programming
Needs/ Supplies: Projector with HDMI Output + Sound
Artist/ Facilitator Bio: Rania El Mugammar is a Sudanese Canadian, Artist, Arts Educator, Equity, Anti-oppression, Liberation and Meaningful Inclusion Educator & Consultant, performer, speaker and published writer. As a writer, Rania's work explores themes of identity, womanhood, Blackness, flight and exile, migration, belonging, gender, sexuality and beyond. Rania's primary mediums are poetry, spoken word and oral storytelling. She is a published poet, storyteller and playwright. Rania is an experienced anti-oppression, equity, inclusion and liberation educator and consultant who is unflinchingly committed to decolonization and freedom as the ultimate goals of her work. Learn more about Rania.
Duration: 1 Hour
Size: Flexible
Fees: Sessions range from $200 to $2000 depending on content, duration, number of participants and format, we can work with your budget and your needs to deliver high impact programming
Needs/ Supplies: Projector with HDMI Output + Sound
Artist/ Facilitator Bio: Rania El Mugammar is a Sudanese Canadian, Artist, Arts Educator, Equity, Anti-oppression, Liberation and Meaningful Inclusion Educator & Consultant, performer, speaker and published writer. As a writer, Rania's work explores themes of identity, womanhood, Blackness, flight and exile, migration, belonging, gender, sexuality and beyond. Rania's primary mediums are poetry, spoken word and oral storytelling. She is a published poet, storyteller and playwright. Rania is an experienced anti-oppression, equity, inclusion and liberation educator and consultant who is unflinchingly committed to decolonization and freedom as the ultimate goals of her work. Learn more about Rania.
Black Canada: Racism, Resilience and Resistance at the Intersections (session for educators)
This workshop uses the concepts and framework of anti-oppression to explore anti-Black racism and representations of Black Canada in a Canadian cultural context. Participants will engage with multimedia resources, exercises and discussion to explore strategies for addressing oppressive behaviours such as interpersonal, internalized and institutional racism. Historical contexts will provide a framework, however, the workshop focuses on the present day realities of Blackness in Canada. Black forms of knowing and being will be explored through a community based and artistic lens.
Duration: 1 Hour ( Lecture Format ), 2.5 Hours ( Workshop Format)
Size: Lecture (Flexible), Workshop (Up to 35)
Fees: Sessions range from $200 to $2000 depending on content, duration, number of participants and format, we can work with your budget and your needs to deliver high impact programming
Needs/ Supplies: Projector with HDMI Output + Sound
Artist/ Facilitator Bio: Rania El Mugammar is a Sudanese Canadian, Artist, Arts Educator, Equity, Anti-oppression, Liberation and Meaningful Inclusion Educator & Consultant, performer, speaker and published writer. As a writer, Rania's work explores themes of identity, womanhood, Blackness, flight and exile, migration, belonging, gender, sexuality and beyond. Rania's primary mediums are poetry, spoken word and oral storytelling. She is a published poet, storyteller and playwright. Rania is an experienced anti-oppression, equity, inclusion and liberation educator and consultant who is unflinchingly committed to decolonization and freedom as the ultimate goals of her work. Learn more about Rania.
Duration: 1 Hour ( Lecture Format ), 2.5 Hours ( Workshop Format)
Size: Lecture (Flexible), Workshop (Up to 35)
Fees: Sessions range from $200 to $2000 depending on content, duration, number of participants and format, we can work with your budget and your needs to deliver high impact programming
Needs/ Supplies: Projector with HDMI Output + Sound
Artist/ Facilitator Bio: Rania El Mugammar is a Sudanese Canadian, Artist, Arts Educator, Equity, Anti-oppression, Liberation and Meaningful Inclusion Educator & Consultant, performer, speaker and published writer. As a writer, Rania's work explores themes of identity, womanhood, Blackness, flight and exile, migration, belonging, gender, sexuality and beyond. Rania's primary mediums are poetry, spoken word and oral storytelling. She is a published poet, storyteller and playwright. Rania is an experienced anti-oppression, equity, inclusion and liberation educator and consultant who is unflinchingly committed to decolonization and freedom as the ultimate goals of her work. Learn more about Rania.
Black Health Equity – Why it Matters
This workshop will allow participants to build capacity for health equity for Black people in Canada. Focusing on the history of anti-black racism and colonialism, and using case studies, participants will learn strategic tips for making health access more equitable. There will be an overview of the role of racism in the production of health inequities which will be discussed through an intersectional lens.
Duration: 1 Hour ( Lecture Format ), 2.5 Hours ( Workshop Format)
Size: Lecture (Flexible), Workshop (Up to 35)
Fees: Sessions range from $300 to $2000 depending on number of participants
Suitable for: Ages 18 and up
Needs/ Supplies: Projector (w/ screen or wall space), audio equipment, movable chairs, space to perform movement
Artist/ Facilitator Bio: Dr. OmiSoore H. Dryden holds a PhD in Social Justice Education from OISE/UT with a graduate certificate in Sexual Diversity Studies. Dr. Dryden’s research explores how the history of anti-black racism and colonialism negatively impact the health of Black people in Canada. She is the co-editor of the book, Disrupting Queer Inclusion: Canadian Homonationalisms and the Politics of Belonging (UBC Press, 2015). Prior to her PhD studies Dryden was the Diversity Advisor, Sexual Orientations and Gender Identities, at the University of British Columbia (2004-2006); and the Advisor for Race and Ethnic Relations/Sexual and Gender Diversity at York University (1993-2004). Learn more about Dr. Dryden.
Duration: 1 Hour ( Lecture Format ), 2.5 Hours ( Workshop Format)
Size: Lecture (Flexible), Workshop (Up to 35)
Fees: Sessions range from $300 to $2000 depending on number of participants
Suitable for: Ages 18 and up
Needs/ Supplies: Projector (w/ screen or wall space), audio equipment, movable chairs, space to perform movement
Artist/ Facilitator Bio: Dr. OmiSoore H. Dryden holds a PhD in Social Justice Education from OISE/UT with a graduate certificate in Sexual Diversity Studies. Dr. Dryden’s research explores how the history of anti-black racism and colonialism negatively impact the health of Black people in Canada. She is the co-editor of the book, Disrupting Queer Inclusion: Canadian Homonationalisms and the Politics of Belonging (UBC Press, 2015). Prior to her PhD studies Dryden was the Diversity Advisor, Sexual Orientations and Gender Identities, at the University of British Columbia (2004-2006); and the Advisor for Race and Ethnic Relations/Sexual and Gender Diversity at York University (1993-2004). Learn more about Dr. Dryden.
Building Beyond: An Afrofuturistic Lego Workshop
Building Beyond is a 90-minute sculptural workshop designed to help young people of all ethnicities (ages 7+) explore the unique and exciting world of Afrofuturism –a fantastical, sci-fi cultural genre that features African and Afrodiasporic peoples at the centre of their own epic stories. Using an array of Lego elements and a pre-made facial template, participants get to build their own descendants as they imagine them to be a thousand years in the future. They are also encouraged to illustrate the names of their “Legacies” or write their origin stories to accompany their artwork. The best part: whatever they build, they keep.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Size: Flexible
Fees: $999.99
Suitable for: 7 years +
Needs/ Supplies: Chairs, desks, projector (w/screen or wall space)
Artist/Facilitator Bio: Ekow Nimako was born in Montreal and studied Fine Arts at York University. He began using Lego in his professional practice in 2014 and has since cultivated a unique approach to sculpting the iconic material. Drawing on his fascination with mythology and the metaphor of West African proverbs, Ekow's current exploration Building Black: Mythos constructs a haunting realm centred on 'supernatural melanin-rich children' and their sentient animal counterparts. Ekow lives and works in Toronto, Canada. Learn more about Ekow.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Size: Flexible
Fees: $999.99
Suitable for: 7 years +
Needs/ Supplies: Chairs, desks, projector (w/screen or wall space)
Artist/Facilitator Bio: Ekow Nimako was born in Montreal and studied Fine Arts at York University. He began using Lego in his professional practice in 2014 and has since cultivated a unique approach to sculpting the iconic material. Drawing on his fascination with mythology and the metaphor of West African proverbs, Ekow's current exploration Building Black: Mythos constructs a haunting realm centred on 'supernatural melanin-rich children' and their sentient animal counterparts. Ekow lives and works in Toronto, Canada. Learn more about Ekow.
Building the Block: Sustainable City-building with Lego
Building the Block is a 90-minute urban design challenge that uses Lego to explore the question: What does building inclusive and sustainable communities look like in the not-too-distant-future? Participants are presented with variations of Lego elements and readymade configurations and prompted to cooperatively shift and build communities that reflect the tenets of inclusive, accessible, and sustainable city building:
Transportation
Waste Management
Clean Energy Production
Affordable Housing
Parks & Green space
Duration: 2 hours
Size: Flexible
Fees: $999.99
Suitable for: 7 years +
Needs/ Supplies: Chairs, desks, projector (w/screen or wall space)
Artist/Facilitator Bio: Ekow Nimako was born in Montreal and studied Fine Arts at York University. He began using Lego in his professional practice in 2014 and has since cultivated a unique approach to sculpting the iconic material. Drawing on his fascination with mythology and the metaphor of West African proverbs, Ekow's current exploration Building Black: Mythos constructs a haunting realm centred on 'supernatural melanin-rich children' and their sentient animal counterparts. Ekow lives and works in Toronto, Canada. Learn more about Ekow.
Transportation
Waste Management
Clean Energy Production
Affordable Housing
Parks & Green space
Duration: 2 hours
Size: Flexible
Fees: $999.99
Suitable for: 7 years +
Needs/ Supplies: Chairs, desks, projector (w/screen or wall space)
Artist/Facilitator Bio: Ekow Nimako was born in Montreal and studied Fine Arts at York University. He began using Lego in his professional practice in 2014 and has since cultivated a unique approach to sculpting the iconic material. Drawing on his fascination with mythology and the metaphor of West African proverbs, Ekow's current exploration Building Black: Mythos constructs a haunting realm centred on 'supernatural melanin-rich children' and their sentient animal counterparts. Ekow lives and works in Toronto, Canada. Learn more about Ekow.
Confronting Islamophobia: Inclusion and Allyship (session for educators)
This workshop explores manifestations of Islamophobia in Canadian cultural contexts, participants will reflect on the intersectional experiences of Muslims in order to foster meaningful inclusion and allyship. The workshop will examine internalized, interpersonal and institutional Islamophobia through exploration of narratives of Islam in a national and global context. Participants will learn helpful strategies for confronting Islamophobic microaggressions/ bystander intervention, support community organizing/ actions, challenge policy and address harmful legal, institutional, media and cultural practices that foster criminalization and marginalization of Muslim communities across Canada.
Duration: 1 Hour ( Lecture Format ), 2.5 Hours ( Workshop Format)
Size: Lecture (Flexible), Workshop (Up to 35)
Fees: Sessions range from $200 to $2000 depending on content, duration, number of participants and format, we can work with your budget and your needs to deliver high impact programming
Needs/ Supplies: Projector with HDMI Output + Sound
Artist/ Facilitator Bio: Rania El Mugammar is a Sudanese Canadian, Artist, Arts Educator, Equity, Anti-oppression, Liberation and Meaningful Inclusion Educator & Consultant, performer, speaker and published writer. As a writer, Rania's work explores themes of identity, womanhood, Blackness, flight and exile, migration, belonging, gender, sexuality and beyond. Rania's primary mediums are poetry, spoken word and oral storytelling. She is a published poet, storyteller and playwright. Rania is an experienced anti-oppression, equity, inclusion and liberation educator and consultant who is unflinchingly committed to decolonization and freedom as the ultimate goals of her work. Learn more about Rania.
Duration: 1 Hour ( Lecture Format ), 2.5 Hours ( Workshop Format)
Size: Lecture (Flexible), Workshop (Up to 35)
Fees: Sessions range from $200 to $2000 depending on content, duration, number of participants and format, we can work with your budget and your needs to deliver high impact programming
Needs/ Supplies: Projector with HDMI Output + Sound
Artist/ Facilitator Bio: Rania El Mugammar is a Sudanese Canadian, Artist, Arts Educator, Equity, Anti-oppression, Liberation and Meaningful Inclusion Educator & Consultant, performer, speaker and published writer. As a writer, Rania's work explores themes of identity, womanhood, Blackness, flight and exile, migration, belonging, gender, sexuality and beyond. Rania's primary mediums are poetry, spoken word and oral storytelling. She is a published poet, storyteller and playwright. Rania is an experienced anti-oppression, equity, inclusion and liberation educator and consultant who is unflinchingly committed to decolonization and freedom as the ultimate goals of her work. Learn more about Rania.
Confronting White Supremacy in Queer Communities
What does it mean when white queers yell, "All Lives Matter?" How has white supremacy directed gay activism in Canada? In this session, participants will be familiarized with the behaviours and actions of white supremacy in queer communities and how to actively minimize the harmful impact of racist behaviours and beliefs. The workshop will provide concrete examples and suggestions to take on the difficult yet necessary work of social justice and activism.
Duration: 1 Hour ( Lecture Format ), 2.5 Hours ( Workshop Format)
Size: Lecture (Flexible), Workshop (Up to 35)
Fees: Sessions range from $300 to $2000 depending on number of participants
Suitable for: Ages 18 and up
Needs/ Supplies: Projector (w/ screen or wall space), audio equipment, movable chairs, space to perform movement
Artist/ Facilitator Bio: Dr. OmiSoore H. Dryden holds a PhD in Social Justice Education from OISE/UT with a graduate certificate in Sexual Diversity Studies. Dr. Dryden’s research explores how the history of anti-black racism and colonialism negatively impact the health of Black people in Canada. She is the co-editor of the book, Disrupting Queer Inclusion: Canadian Homonationalisms and the Politics of Belonging (UBC Press, 2015). Prior to her PhD studies Dryden was the Diversity Advisor, Sexual Orientations and Gender Identities, at the University of British Columbia (2004-2006); and the Advisor for Race and Ethnic Relations/Sexual and Gender Diversity at York University (1993-2004). Learn more about Dr. Dryden.
Duration: 1 Hour ( Lecture Format ), 2.5 Hours ( Workshop Format)
Size: Lecture (Flexible), Workshop (Up to 35)
Fees: Sessions range from $300 to $2000 depending on number of participants
Suitable for: Ages 18 and up
Needs/ Supplies: Projector (w/ screen or wall space), audio equipment, movable chairs, space to perform movement
Artist/ Facilitator Bio: Dr. OmiSoore H. Dryden holds a PhD in Social Justice Education from OISE/UT with a graduate certificate in Sexual Diversity Studies. Dr. Dryden’s research explores how the history of anti-black racism and colonialism negatively impact the health of Black people in Canada. She is the co-editor of the book, Disrupting Queer Inclusion: Canadian Homonationalisms and the Politics of Belonging (UBC Press, 2015). Prior to her PhD studies Dryden was the Diversity Advisor, Sexual Orientations and Gender Identities, at the University of British Columbia (2004-2006); and the Advisor for Race and Ethnic Relations/Sexual and Gender Diversity at York University (1993-2004). Learn more about Dr. Dryden.
Deliberate Desires
Deliberate Desires is workshop focusing crafting a story and performance that is about intentionally speaking to our desires without shame. In this process, the participants will create a mini one-person show. Incorporating a monologue and a dance and movement piece. In which the participants speak on what they dream of, long for and desire without judgement or shame. What would it look like if we could speak freely to what it is we long for? What do we desire? Ourselves? Love? Sexuality without limits? Freedom? To be seen? To be wanted? To be glamourous? What are we hungry for? And can we give ourselves permission to say it out loud?
Duration: 4 hours
Size: Flexible
Fees: $500
Suitable for: Early 20’s to late 30’s
Needs/ Supplies: Speakers. Space to perform movement.
Artist/Facilitator Bio: Dainty believes that through the art of storytelling and a willingness to be exposed that genuine human connections can be made. Her performances often tell deeply vulnerable stories regarding race, religion, sexuality and challenging social boundaries. Dainty studied performing arts at George Brown College and is a powerful self taught storyteller, performer, and orator. She wrote and self produced a multidisciplinary play titled Daughters Of Lilith. Her diverse array of stage performances include the Mayworks Festival, Rock. Paper. Sistahz, Caminos Festival for Aluna Theatre, The Rhubarb Festival at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Artscape, and Daniels Spectrum Theatre. She is the founder of Les Femme Fatales: Women of Colour burlesque troupe, the first burlesque troupe for women of colour in Canada. Learn more about Dainty.
Duration: 4 hours
Size: Flexible
Fees: $500
Suitable for: Early 20’s to late 30’s
Needs/ Supplies: Speakers. Space to perform movement.
Artist/Facilitator Bio: Dainty believes that through the art of storytelling and a willingness to be exposed that genuine human connections can be made. Her performances often tell deeply vulnerable stories regarding race, religion, sexuality and challenging social boundaries. Dainty studied performing arts at George Brown College and is a powerful self taught storyteller, performer, and orator. She wrote and self produced a multidisciplinary play titled Daughters Of Lilith. Her diverse array of stage performances include the Mayworks Festival, Rock. Paper. Sistahz, Caminos Festival for Aluna Theatre, The Rhubarb Festival at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, Artscape, and Daniels Spectrum Theatre. She is the founder of Les Femme Fatales: Women of Colour burlesque troupe, the first burlesque troupe for women of colour in Canada. Learn more about Dainty.
Islam and Blackness: Precarious Intersections (session for educators)
This workshop explores the intersection of Islam and Blackness from a historical and present day perspective. Islamophobia and Anti Black Racism in the lived experience of Black Muslims, as well as Anti-Blackness and in Muslim communities and spaces will be examined. Models for inclusion, resistance and resilience are central to the themes of the workshop. This workshop uses a queer positive, gender affirming, anti-oppressive framework to situate the intersectional experiences of diverse Black Muslims within a larger power structure. Gendered Islamophobia and Islamophobia in non Muslim Black communities will also be explored. The workshop will also introduce the concepts of Anti-Black Islamophobia from an academic and social perspective.
Duration: 1 Hour ( Lecture Format ), 2.5 Hours ( Workshop Format)
Size: Lecture (Flexible), Workshop (Up to 35)
Fees: Sessions range from $200 to $2000 depending on content, duration, number of participants and format, we can work with your budget and your needs to deliver high impact programming
Needs/ Supplies: Projector with HDMI Output + Sound
Artist/ Facilitator Bio: Rania El Mugammar is a Sudanese Canadian, Artist, Arts Educator, Equity, Anti-oppression, Liberation and Meaningful Inclusion Educator & Consultant, performer, speaker and published writer. As a writer, Rania's work explores themes of identity, womanhood, Blackness, flight and exile, migration, belonging, gender, sexuality and beyond. Rania's primary mediums are poetry, spoken word and oral storytelling. She is a published poet, storyteller and playwright. Rania is an experienced anti-oppression, equity, inclusion and liberation educator and consultant who is unflinchingly committed to decolonization and freedom as the ultimate goals of her work. Learn more about Rania.
Duration: 1 Hour ( Lecture Format ), 2.5 Hours ( Workshop Format)
Size: Lecture (Flexible), Workshop (Up to 35)
Fees: Sessions range from $200 to $2000 depending on content, duration, number of participants and format, we can work with your budget and your needs to deliver high impact programming
Needs/ Supplies: Projector with HDMI Output + Sound
Artist/ Facilitator Bio: Rania El Mugammar is a Sudanese Canadian, Artist, Arts Educator, Equity, Anti-oppression, Liberation and Meaningful Inclusion Educator & Consultant, performer, speaker and published writer. As a writer, Rania's work explores themes of identity, womanhood, Blackness, flight and exile, migration, belonging, gender, sexuality and beyond. Rania's primary mediums are poetry, spoken word and oral storytelling. She is a published poet, storyteller and playwright. Rania is an experienced anti-oppression, equity, inclusion and liberation educator and consultant who is unflinchingly committed to decolonization and freedom as the ultimate goals of her work. Learn more about Rania.
Islam and Canada: History and the Present (session for students)
This session will lead students through a series of guiding questions about Islam, Muslims in Canada, diversity and inclusion of Muslims in our communities. Participants will also explore Islam and Muslims’ contributions to Canada’s society and culture through engaging with work of diverse Muslim artists, athletes, journalists, scientists and trend makers.
The guiding themes/questions for the session are:
What is Islamophobia?
How do we talk about Islam/Muslims?
What stories do we hear about Islam and Muslims and from who?
What does a Muslim look like?
What stories do Muslims tell about themselves? (on social media, in art, literature, and other creative pursuits)?
What does Islamophobia look like?
What can we do when we hear or see it?
Duration: 1 Hour
Size: Flexible
Fees: Sessions range from $200 to $2000 depending on content, duration, number of participants and format, we can work with your budget and your needs to deliver high impact programming
Needs/ Supplies: Projector with HDMI Output + Sound
Artist/ Facilitator Bio: Rania El Mugammar is a Sudanese Canadian, Artist, Arts Educator, Equity, Anti-oppression, Liberation and Meaningful Inclusion Educator & Consultant, performer, speaker and published writer. As a writer, Rania's work explores themes of identity, womanhood, Blackness, flight and exile, migration, belonging, gender, sexuality and beyond. Rania's primary mediums are poetry, spoken word and oral storytelling. She is a published poet, storyteller and playwright. Rania is an experienced anti-oppression, equity, inclusion and liberation educator and consultant who is unflinchingly committed to decolonization and freedom as the ultimate goals of her work. Learn more about Rania.
The guiding themes/questions for the session are:
What is Islamophobia?
How do we talk about Islam/Muslims?
What stories do we hear about Islam and Muslims and from who?
What does a Muslim look like?
What stories do Muslims tell about themselves? (on social media, in art, literature, and other creative pursuits)?
What does Islamophobia look like?
What can we do when we hear or see it?
Duration: 1 Hour
Size: Flexible
Fees: Sessions range from $200 to $2000 depending on content, duration, number of participants and format, we can work with your budget and your needs to deliver high impact programming
Needs/ Supplies: Projector with HDMI Output + Sound
Artist/ Facilitator Bio: Rania El Mugammar is a Sudanese Canadian, Artist, Arts Educator, Equity, Anti-oppression, Liberation and Meaningful Inclusion Educator & Consultant, performer, speaker and published writer. As a writer, Rania's work explores themes of identity, womanhood, Blackness, flight and exile, migration, belonging, gender, sexuality and beyond. Rania's primary mediums are poetry, spoken word and oral storytelling. She is a published poet, storyteller and playwright. Rania is an experienced anti-oppression, equity, inclusion and liberation educator and consultant who is unflinchingly committed to decolonization and freedom as the ultimate goals of her work. Learn more about Rania.
OUR FATHERS, SONS, LOVERS AND LITTLE BROTHERS
February 26, 2012, Florida. A 17 year old Black boy wearing a hoodie leaves a 7/11 carrying a bag of Skittles and an iced tea. He never makes it home. Our Fathers, Sons, Lovers and Little Brothers invites us to enter the world of an infamous teen, relive his last moments, and face the intricacy of his dance into the afterlife.
“At one point, you’re gonna be the one driving and a police officer is gonna pull you over. Cause they can, so they will. When that happens, what are you gonna do?”
Our Fathers, Sons, Lovers and Little Brothers explores how Black youth negotiate safety in an anti-Black world. Student matinees include an intimate post-show talkback with the creative team, and an in-depth study guide by request.
Themes and curriculum connections: English, Drama, Dance, Equity Studies
Fees: $15/ student, 1 free teacher ticket per 20 students
Suitable for: Students grades 6 through 12, teachers and administration
Artist/ Facilitator Info: Written and Performed by Makambe K Simamba. Directed by Donna-Michelle St. Bernard. Dramaturged by Audrey Dwyer. Produced by B Current performing arts.
“At one point, you’re gonna be the one driving and a police officer is gonna pull you over. Cause they can, so they will. When that happens, what are you gonna do?”
Our Fathers, Sons, Lovers and Little Brothers explores how Black youth negotiate safety in an anti-Black world. Student matinees include an intimate post-show talkback with the creative team, and an in-depth study guide by request.
Themes and curriculum connections: English, Drama, Dance, Equity Studies
Fees: $15/ student, 1 free teacher ticket per 20 students
Suitable for: Students grades 6 through 12, teachers and administration
Artist/ Facilitator Info: Written and Performed by Makambe K Simamba. Directed by Donna-Michelle St. Bernard. Dramaturged by Audrey Dwyer. Produced by B Current performing arts.
Too Black to be Queer, Too Queer to be Black
This workshop explores the white supremacy, patriarchy and misogyny that Black queer and trans people experience in Canada. Participants will be introduced to the foundations of anti-black racism, homophobia and transphobia in Canada. Participants will work collectively to gain understanding of strategies for change. The workshop will provide different tools and mechanisms that can be used to disrupt and confront these systems of oppression and the unique experiences of Black queer and trans people.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Size: Up to 30
Fees: Sessions range from $300 to $2000 depending on number of participants
Suitable for: Ages 18 and up
Needs/ Supplies: Projector (w/ screen or wall space), audio equipment, moveable chairs, space to perform movement
Artist/ Facilitator Bio: Dr. OmiSoore H. Dryden holds a PhD in Social Justice Education from OISE/UT with a graduate certificate in Sexual Diversity Studies. Dr. Dryden’s research explores how the history of anti-black racism and colonialism negatively impact the health of Black people in Canada. She is the co-editor of the book, Disrupting Queer Inclusion: Canadian Homonationalisms and the Politics of Belonging (UBC Press, 2015). Prior to her PhD studies Dryden was the Diversity Advisor, Sexual Orientations and Gender Identities, at the University of British Columbia (2004-2006); and the Advisor for Race and Ethnic Relations/Sexual and Gender Diversity at York University (1993-2004) Learn more about Dr. Dryden.
Duration: 2.5 hours
Size: Up to 30
Fees: Sessions range from $300 to $2000 depending on number of participants
Suitable for: Ages 18 and up
Needs/ Supplies: Projector (w/ screen or wall space), audio equipment, moveable chairs, space to perform movement
Artist/ Facilitator Bio: Dr. OmiSoore H. Dryden holds a PhD in Social Justice Education from OISE/UT with a graduate certificate in Sexual Diversity Studies. Dr. Dryden’s research explores how the history of anti-black racism and colonialism negatively impact the health of Black people in Canada. She is the co-editor of the book, Disrupting Queer Inclusion: Canadian Homonationalisms and the Politics of Belonging (UBC Press, 2015). Prior to her PhD studies Dryden was the Diversity Advisor, Sexual Orientations and Gender Identities, at the University of British Columbia (2004-2006); and the Advisor for Race and Ethnic Relations/Sexual and Gender Diversity at York University (1993-2004) Learn more about Dr. Dryden.
Writing Our Freedom (session for students)
This hands on workshop engages students in a variety of poetry writing exercises such as “The Blank Space Poem “ - a collaborative writing exercise, “I am, but I am not ! “ - an identity poem and “Healing Haikus” . These writing explorations are intertwined with conversations and learnings around themes of Black identity in Canada, Black culture and history, as well as modern day Black Canadian experiences.
Duration: 1 Hour
Size: Up to 25
Fees: Sessions range from $200 to $2000 depending on content, duration, number of participants and format, we can work with your budget and your needs to deliver high impact programming
Needs/ Supplies: Projector with HDMI Output + Sound
Artist/ Facilitator Bio: Rania El Mugammar is a Sudanese Canadian, Artist, Arts Educator, Equity, Anti-oppression, Liberation and Meaningful Inclusion Educator & Consultant, performer, speaker and published writer. As a writer, Rania's work explores themes of identity, womanhood, Blackness, flight and exile, migration, belonging, gender, sexuality and beyond. Rania's primary mediums are poetry, spoken word and oral storytelling. She is a published poet, storyteller and playwright. Rania is an experienced anti-oppression, equity, inclusion and liberation educator and consultant who is unflinchingly committed to decolonization and freedom as the ultimate goals of her work. Learn more about Rania.
Duration: 1 Hour
Size: Up to 25
Fees: Sessions range from $200 to $2000 depending on content, duration, number of participants and format, we can work with your budget and your needs to deliver high impact programming
Needs/ Supplies: Projector with HDMI Output + Sound
Artist/ Facilitator Bio: Rania El Mugammar is a Sudanese Canadian, Artist, Arts Educator, Equity, Anti-oppression, Liberation and Meaningful Inclusion Educator & Consultant, performer, speaker and published writer. As a writer, Rania's work explores themes of identity, womanhood, Blackness, flight and exile, migration, belonging, gender, sexuality and beyond. Rania's primary mediums are poetry, spoken word and oral storytelling. She is a published poet, storyteller and playwright. Rania is an experienced anti-oppression, equity, inclusion and liberation educator and consultant who is unflinchingly committed to decolonization and freedom as the ultimate goals of her work. Learn more about Rania.