In the spirit of this powerful reflection, we invite you to join us for a transformative and historic celebration at the 3rd Annual Journey to Black Liberation Symposium (JTBLS) and The Black Liberation Ball (TBLB). This year’s theme, “Finding a Home in Our Bodies,” is a call to honor and liberate our bodies, our identities, and our futures.

We are thrilled to announce that Sonya Renee Taylor, author of The Body is Not an Apology, will be in conversation with Dr. Syrus Ware during our headline plenary. Together, they will explore themes of radical self-love and body liberation.

This event is part of the 30th Anniversary of the Kuumba Festival at Harbourfront Centre in Toronto, spanning across February 1st, 7th, 8th, and 9th, 2025.

As co-curators of these events, The Black Daddies Club (BDC), Toronto Kiki Ballroom Alliance (TKBA), and The Arbert Santana Ballroom Freedom School Project proudly present this series of events that celebrate the beautiful differences of Black people within the diaspora. We aim to foster unity, understanding, and solidarity across diverse Black identities, cultures, and experiences.

The Journey to Black Liberation Symposium and the Black Liberation Ball are more than just events—they are transformative spaces for building stronger allyships across the diverse spectrum of Black identities. From Black LGBTQ2S+ to Black heterosexual communities and all the multifaceted ways we experience our Blackness, these gatherings will emphasize that Blackness is not a monolith. Through powerful plenaries and discussions, we will celebrate our shared liberation, honor the unique ways we embody our power, and affirm the many ways we exist and thrive in the world.

Event Highlights

Saturday, February 1st, 2025

Finding Space in Color: Mental Health & the Multiracial Black Experience

Location: Harbourfront Centre

 

Friday, February 7th, 2025

BLACK BODIES MATTER: Exploring the Black Body through a Liberated Lens (Opening Reception)

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Urbanspace Gallery

RSVP

A Jamaica Mi Come From (Late-Night Party)

10:00 PM - 2:00 AM, Harbourfront Centre – Lakeside Terrace

RSVP

Saturday, February 8th, 2025

Finding Home in Toronto: Conversations with Black Refugees

Location: Harbourfront Centre – Studio Theatre RSVP

Voguing Workshop with Twysted Miyake-Mugler

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Lakeside Terrace

RSVP

Our Bodies, Our Liberation: Panel with Sonya Renee Taylor and Dr. Syrus Ware

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Harbourfront Centre Theatre

RSVP

The Black Liberation Ball 3: Afrofuturism (Mainstream)

7:00 PM - 2:00 AM, PWA Building (The Hub)

RSVP

Sunday, February 9th, 2025

The Black Liberation Ballroom Leadership Luncheon (Invitation Only)

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Harbourfront Centre – Lakeside Terrace

RSVP

For tickets and info visit

https://harbourfrontcentre.com/series/kuumba/

https://theblackdaddiesclub.com/

https://www.tkba.ca/event-list