Black Daddies Club 18th Anniversary Kick-Off: A Transformative Journey to Black Liberation
The Black Daddies Club (BDC) is kicking off its 18th anniversary with a historic celebration that you won’t want to miss! We are partnering with the Kuumba Festival and presenting the 3rd Annual Journey to Black Liberation Symposium (JTBLS) and The Black Liberation Ball (TBLB) to begin 2025 in a truly transformative way.
Theme: “Finding a Home in Our Bodies”
In the spirit of Sonya Renee Taylor’s powerful words, “I want to be your friend,” we invite you to join us as we explore the radical act of self-love and body liberation. Taylor, author of The Body Is Not an Apology, will be in conversation with Dr. Syrus Ware at the symposium’s headline plenary. Together, they’ll dive into themes of self-empowerment, identity, and the healing power of radical self-love. This marks the 30th Anniversary of the Kuumba Festival at the Harbourfront Centre in Toronto, taking place from February 1st-9th, 2025.
Sonya’s video promoting JTBL
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.
Our Vision
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
- Feb 1: Finding Space in Color: Mental Health & the Multiracial Black Experience
- Feb 7: BLACK BODIES MATTER (Opening Reception)
- Feb 8: Our Bodies, Our Liberation: Panel with Sonya Renee Taylor & Dr. Syrus Ware
- Feb 9: The Black Liberation Ball: Afrofuturism (Mainstream) & more!
Get Your Tickets Now!
These events sell out fast, so don’t wait! Secure your spot and be part of this historic moment for Black liberation. Visit the Harbourfront Centre’s Kuumba 30 page for tickets and full details.
Let’s co-create a space for healing, connection, and celebration. Bring a friend, share the love, and let’s honor our bodies, identities, and futures together.