Mayor Olivia Chow and the City of Toronto have issued a proclamation stating June 2024 as Black Music Month. The decision followed a request from the Canada Black Music Archives (CBMA). Black music has long shaped the country’s sound, telling the stories of varying communities and enriching the nations culture. As a digital archive, the CBMA aims to preserve these stories and contributions as they are often underreported or merely forgotten. Proclaiming June as Black Music Month marks a step forward in preserving the contributions of the African Canadian and Caribbean diaspora.

The concept of Black Music Month in North America originated in the United States. It was first proclaimed by former President Jimmy Carter in 1979 and celebrated the influence of African American music on the country. In 2019, former Toronto mayor John Tory first made the proclamation at the behest of the Music Managers Forum. The Canada Black Music Archives issued a similar request in 2023 and again in 2024, continuing this tradition in honouring Black Canadians for their music contributions.

The proclamation makes note of ground laying artists like Michie Mee, Kardinal Offishall, Maestro Fresh Wes, and Jully Black. It mentions megastars Drake and the Weeknd, as well as newer voices Haviah Mighty and Daniel Caesar. All of these artists and more have helped spread “The Toronto Sound” worldwide.

The Canada Black Music Archives celebrates this June as Black Music Month and thanks the countless musicians who continue to enrich the Canadian music landscape.

You can find the link to the full proclamation here: Black Music Month Proclamation