DiversityTalk, a Black-led health and social development consultancy, is hosting an immersive four-day Black History Month event at the Worth Gallery in Toronto from February 25 to 28, 2025, in partnership with the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS).

The four-day event will focus on storytelling, resilience, and the vibrant cultural heritage of Black communities, inviting thought leaders, advocates, and influencers to engage in meaningful conversations and experiences.

“We are proud to host an event that not only celebrates the vibrant heritage of Black communities but also highlights the importance of reclaiming our narratives in all aspects of life, including within the cannabis industry,” said Ika Washington, the founder of DiversityTalk.

The event will spotlight the intersection of creativity, resilience, and heritage. It will feature visual exhibits, artistic showcases, and community discussions designed to foster inclusion, engage storytelling, and address important cultural conversations.

With a special emphasis on the history and stigmas surrounding cannabis in Black communities, participants can expect to leave feeling informed, empowered, and inspired, adds Washington.

“Through this event, we aim to foster dialogue, create awareness, and inspire action toward a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable future for all,”  she says.

The event includes a multimedia exhibition chronicling cannabis’s East African origins and its role in modern Black communities through curated videos, photography, historical artefacts, and original performances and exhibits from Black creators exploring themes of identity, perseverance, and cultural heritage.

A community discussion will also take place on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 6:30 PM. The three-hour session will feature panels, personal storytelling from leading thinkers and cultural activists, and an audience-led Q&A.

The organization says this event is an example of DiversityTalk’s ongoing commitment to creating inclusive spaces for education and meaningful conversations in partnership with the Crown corporation Ontario Cannabis Store.

“We invite all community leaders, advocates, and influencers to join us in this journey of celebration, empowerment, and education,” remarked Ika. “Together, let’s reclaim the power of storytelling and of history.”

More information about this event can be found here.