Experience

Our Programs & Events

Together we can power our future.

DISCOVERY & Learning

Expanding horizons, strengthening expertise

EMPOWERMENT & Solutions

Shaping the future with technical excellence

WELLNESS & Health

Promoting mental, spiritual, physical health and well-being

CONNECTION & Community

Creating new connections and sharing cultural experiences

Tea Tales High Tea: May 21, 2026

Join us for an afternoon of tea, culture, conversation, savoury and sweet bites, music, and community. Seats are limited.

Tea Tales High Tea: May 8, 2026

Join us for an afternoon of tea, culture, conversation, savoury and sweet bites, music, and community. Seats are limited.

Artists in Residence

Apply to become the Pillar Artist in Residence at the Blackhurst Cultural Centre, a vibrant hub for cultural expression and community engagement.

Dinner With… Series

Is your cup running over with questions…and are you hungry for answers? For example, how to start a small business, what is risk management, how to submit a tender, how to respond to gentrification, how to get involved with expansion projects in the city and/or how to improve your brand?

Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride

Join us on December 1 in recognition of the historic date of Emancipation Day on August 1st when slavery was abolished in the British Empire.

Entrepreneurship Pop-up Experience

Blackhurst Entrepreneurship – Pop-Up Experience helps to guide participants from the idea/concept to the showcasing and sale of products. This experience offers entrepreneurs and/or designers the opportunity to learn about customer service, merchandising, branding, marketing, online service, and selling.

The People’s Podcast

Blackhurst Cultural Centre preserves and animates the cultural legacy of Canadians of African and Caribbean ancestry as part of its mandate. The People’s TV provides an opportunity to document content from other Blackhurst Cultural Centre programs, and to maintain our past and living history and culture in a structured archive.

York University Schulich Business Certification

Blackhurst Cultural Centre (BCC) is proud to partner with Schulich School of Business to offer an 8 week business certificate course. Learn the basics of marketing, human resources, and operations from Schulich faculty and industry experts.

The Black & Caribbean Book Affair

Join us for an inspiring literary event that celebrates the voices and stories of Black, Caribbean, and diasporic African authors from around the globe. This unique gathering showcases groundbreaking new works that explore themes of identity, resilience, culture, and heritage. Through engaging readings, thought-provoking discussions, and intimate conversations, these talented authors share their creative journeys and offer insights into the diverse experiences of the African diaspora. Whether you’re an avid reader, a writer, or simply curious about the richness of Black and Caribbean literature, this event promises to be an unforgettable celebration of storytelling and cultural expression. Stay tuned for the next Black and Caribbean Book Affair by signing up for our newsletter and following us on our socials.

The Art of Writing

Toronto is a mecca for some established writers from the Caribbean and Africa. The Art of Writing workshop builds on the tradition of a collective writing experience.

Zanana Akande “Welcome to Blackhurst” Art Gallery

The Zanana Akande “Welcome to Blackhurst” Art Gallery provides an opportunity for professional and new/emerging visual artists to showcase their work in a community-based setting. It also provides a gateway for artists to present their curatorial work of contemporary Canadian artists, and to explore themes of identity, race, and social commentary.

Walk With Excellence

The Walk with Excellence event is an urban rite-of-passage of moving graduating high school students to post-secondary education. The Walk’s objective is to demonstrate student achievement and academic success. Similarly, themed processions happen across the City of Toronto as well as in Ottawa, Ontario. Typically, these processions comprise students, school principals, teachers, family, and partners.

Shake Up Your Life

This program offers seniors a wonderful opportunity to come together, connect, and enjoy a variety of engaging activities. From sharing stories and dancing to socializing and creating lasting memories, this program is designed to bring joy and a sense of community. Seniors can relax in a welcoming environment where they can celebrate their experiences, express themselves, and participate in activities that inspire laughter, creativity, and connection. Whether you’re looking to meet new friends, reminisce, or simply have fun, this program is the perfect space to engage, bond, and thrive. While the program is centered in an Afrocentric approach, all seniors are welcome to participate.

Windows to Opportunity

The Windows to Opportunity (WTO) program supports the positive development of youth through mentorship with professional artists. This program is aimed at youth who identify as “Black” between the ages of 12 and 24.

Welcome to Blackhurst Experience Walking Tour

The Welcome to Blackhurst program highlights the rich history of Toronto’s Bathurst-Bloor and Annex neighborhoods. Participants enjoy walking tours, coffee ceremonies, and lectures, including the story of Albert Jackson, Toronto’s first Black letter carrier. The program accommodates all ages and learning styles with one- or two-hour sessions for schools and groups.

Children under 18 are $10.00 each, adults (18+) are $20.00 each.