Celebrating Black Brilliance Across Generations at Homes First
This February, Homes First joined communities across Canada to mark Black History Month: 30 Years of Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries. Our celebrations brought together clients, staff, and partners to celebrate Black history, culture, and creativity.
A Cross-Generational Celebration in Scarborough
Clients from across the Homes First community gathered at One Church TO in Scarborough to celebrate Black history, culture, and legacy together.
The space came alive with display boards showcasing influential Black Canadian changemakers, including activists, storytellers, and cultural leaders who have shaped Black stories and experiences in Canada. These exhibits sparked conversation about legacy, representation, and impact.
Clients also explored the rich history of African textile traditions, learning about cloth and patterns from Mali, Ghana, Angola, and Burkina Faso. In a hands-on quilting activity, participants stitched four squares together, creating a design that represented their own story — a symbolic act of honouring the past while shaping the future.
The celebration continued with music by local Dj Majesty, Caribbean-style dishes prepared by Chef Travis, and the support of staff from multiple sites and our head office. It was a joyful, intergenerational gathering reflecting the strength and vibrancy of the Homes First community.
Black Food Sovereignty Workshop at Green Barn Programs
Homes First clients also attended a Black Food Sovereignty Workshop hosted by Green Barn Programs at The Stop Community Food Centre. Led by the inspiring Adwoa, participants learned about the importance of food sovereignty and its role in empowering communities.
Clients toured the greenhouse with Rob, discovering the benefits of microgreens and learning how easy it is to grow and sustain a small urban garden.
The experience ended with a shared meal crafted with ingredients from the garden: cornbread and callaloo mixed with microgreens, chickpeas, and cowpeas, topped with chili oil, washed down with homemade lemonade and iced tea. A huge thank you to Rob, Adwoa, Aras, Samuel, and Lisa from The Stop for bringing knowledge and deliciousness to the workshop.
To learn more how you can get involved to support Homes First programs, visit: www.homesfirst.on.ca/get-involved/
To support initiatives like this, donate to Homes First: https://homesfirst.on.ca/donate-now/
