Tuesday night Historica Canada hosted a celebration at Bram and Bluma Appel Salon in the Toronto Reference Library to acknowledge the contributions of black women across the country

The event’s host, CTV’s Marci Ien, introduced the Toronto speakers, which included award-winning R&B artist Jully Black, Jamaican-Canadian actress D’bi Young Anitafrika and the creator of Da Kink in My Hair, Trey Anthony.

The women’s speeches focused on topics ranging from concerns for the lives of young black boys to their own female heroes. Kandyse McClure, the actress who portrayed Viola Desmond in the Heritage Minute, delivered a tearful speech in honour of her mother and grandmother’s influence and strength.

Among the audience was Amanda Robinson, a manager at The Boys and Girls Club, who regards black history month and its events as an integral part of the black community’s networking.

“I personally like when community comes together,” she says. “It gives a bit of a platform to stand on so you can see [above] all the other murky stuff that’s out there in the media.”

The night was part one of Historica Canada’s recognition of empowering black women in the country. They will be hosting another event in Halifax on Feb. 11.