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Celebrating Black history this month — and all year long

Tangerine’s Project Forward™ has been participating in Black History Month festivities alongside our charitable partners.

February 21, 2024

Written by Tangerine

Lady Ballers Camp celebrated Black History Month with a djembe drumming lesson. Photo: Jessica Blaine Smith

Key takeaways

  • At Lady Ballers Camp, young participants took part in a music lesson using the djembe, a West African drum
  • Tangerine sponsored free meals at events for The 519 and Ernestine’s Women Shelter
  • 25 kids and teens from Youth Without Shelter got tickets and transportation to attend a Raptors 905 game in Mississauga, Ont.

Celebrating Black history this month — and all year long

Whether it’s through donations, advocacy or volunteer events, supporting community programs that promote inclusion and belonging is part of Tangerine's DNA.

During Black History Month, we recognize and honour the diverse heritage and contributions of the Black community in Canada and around the world.

Throughout February, our Project Forward™ initiative has been participating in Black History Month events and festivities alongside our partners from Lady Ballers Camp, Youth Without Shelter and more.

Check out some highlights from the month.

Lady Ballers Camp x Tales by Moonlight

On Feb. 8 we dropped in on the Lady Ballers Camp’s Black History Month event, where 20-plus young participants took part in a music lesson using the djembe, a West African drum.

In the Lady Ballers' home gym in Mississauga, Ont., chairs were set up in a circle. Each participant had their own drum and practiced simple beats while learning about the instrument’s history.

At first the girls were reluctantly tapping on their instruments, but eventually everyone in the circle was united in rhythm, making booming sounds on their own djembe.

The event highlighted the transformative power of storytelling through vibrant drumming and dance performances.

“We create a space for girls; we want them to feel celebrated in everything they do,” says Toyo Ajibolade, founder and Executive Director of Lady Ballers Camp.

“Our goal is to always make them feel seen, heard, understood and validated, especially as young Black girls.”

Since 2019, Tangerine has supported Lady Ballers Camp, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to creating safe spaces for girls to make friends, keep fit and have fun. Their mandate is to create equitable access to recreational and sports programs so that girls can reach their full potential.

Supporting Black-owned small businesses

Every week, our partners at The 519 and Ernestine’s Women Shelter hold respective drop-in programs where community members can stop by to get a snack, drink, stay warm and connect.

This month, at The 519’s Meal Trans event and Ernestine’s Black History Month Celebration, Tangerine sponsored free meals from Taste of Seduction, a Black-owned Caribbean restaurant and staple of the Junction neighbourhood in Toronto.

Raptors 905 Black History Month Kick-Off 

Early in the month, Tangerine Project Forward™ helped extend the impact of Black History Month to 25 kids and teens from Youth Without Shelter by providing tickets and transportation for them to attend the Raptors 905 Black History Month kick-off game on Feb. 3 in Mississauga.

The game started with a special celebration that honoured the Black community past and present, and the team also showcased their new special jerseys inspired by the Underground Railroad.

Celebrating the Black community all year long 

We’re proud to honour, recognize and celebrate the Black community in February and all year long and are committed to supporting initiatives that move forward equity, inclusion and belonging.

You can learn more about our partnerships and Project Forward here.

—Written by Mary Ann Boateng

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