National Poetry Month lands in April across both Canada and the United States, and Toronto has a worthy way to mark it. On Thursday, April 23rd, the Archives of Ontario hosts “Footprints: It’s All About the Journey,” an evening of spoken word featuring Ontario’s Poet Laureate Matthew-Ray Jones alongside local poets who’ll bring storytelling and live performance to one of the city’s most significant cultural spaces. Guests can also explore the CBMA’s “B’lack Then: Muted Melodies” exhibit and the Archive of Ontario’s “Illuminate Black: Shining Light on the Black Presence in Ontario” during the event.
The evening sits within a rich tradition. Black Canadian poets and musicians like Lillian Allen, George Elliot Clarke, Afua Cooper, Clifton Joseph, and Ahdri Zhina Mandiela built the foundation, and a new generation including Matthew-Ray Jones, El Jones, Jamaal Jackson, and Desiree Jones continues to push the form forward. This is a room worth being in.
The event runs from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. (doors at 5:00 p.m.) at 134 Ian MacDonald Blvd., Toronto, on the York University campus just outside the York University Subway Station. Registration is required. RSVP to Sean Smith at sean.smith2@ontario.ca by April 19th.