City of Toronto proclaims Black Mental Health Week, explores the impact of digital life on connection and community

Mayor Olivia Chow, on behalf of Toronto City Council, has officially proclaimed Black Mental Health Week in Toronto from today until Sunday, March 8.  

Marked annually since 2020, the week raises awareness of the significant mental health impacts of anti-Black racism on Black communities across the city. This year’s theme “The Power of CONNECTION: Ancestral Wisdom in a Digital Age” explores how technology, social media, and AI influence Black mental health, while centring the grounding power of community, family, and ancestral knowledge. 

Throughout the week, events organized and hosted by the City and Black-serving community organizations will offer dynamic events and conversations, exploring both the empowerment and challenges of digital life.  

Events include but are not limited to: 

• Opening Ceremony: An immersive experience featuring Burundian drummers, a sound bowl cleansing ceremony with intention-setting, and Digital Kuumba, which highlights the powerful digital stories of Ubuntu Elders. Registration is required, hosted at 1385 Huntingwood Dr., Scarborough. Offered in partnership with TAIBU and the University of Toronto Scarborough.  

• Virtual Discussion: A virtual discussion featuring Anasi teachings that support the power of connection in the digital age. Speakers will share ancestral wisdom and stories to navigate the increasingly digital world and its challenges like algorithms, misinformation, and cyberbullying with the goal of returning to homeostasis. Offered by AGATA Resource Centre. 

• Mental Health Conference: Iron Sharpens Iron Men’s Conference will explore the mental health challenges and resilience of Black men in a one-day conference that creates an intentional space for connection across generations, life stages, and lived realities.  

• Wellness Experience: A taste-testing experience by Black, Indigenous Women of Colour (BIWOC) will explore Afro-Caribbean roots and offer a culturally affirming wellness practice. Nutrition, wellness, and healthy eating as self-care grounded in culture will be discussed.  

• Closing Event: A joyful conclusion featuring culture, creativity, and community. A live culinary demonstration will be followed by performance such as music, spoken word, and movement to celebrate joy as resistance. Registration is required, hosted at 3357 Kingston Rd., Scarborough.  

During Black Mental Health week, the City reaffirms its commitment to addressing anti-Black racism and improving access to culturally appropriate mental health supports for Torontonians of African Descent. Black Mental Health Week is co-led by the City’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit and TAIBU Community Health Centre, in partnership with Black Health Alliance, Strides Toronto, Tropicana Community Services, and numerous community organizations who deliver support across Toronto.  

More information about these events and others can be found on the Black Mental Health Week website.

Quotes: 

“This Black Mental Health Week, the City reaffirms our commitment to support Toronto’s Black communities through culturally responsive mental health care. We acknowledge the impacts of anti-Black racism on the mental health of Toronto’s Black communities and will continue to collaborate with our community partners who are essential to ensuring Black Torontonians receive the care they need. Toronto is a caring city, and that means showing up for one another, strengthening connection and community, and making sure everyone feels supported and valued. This year’s theme reminds us that in our increasingly digital world, staying grounded and present in our communities is more important than ever.” 

– Mayor Olivia Chow 

Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As an Official Host City for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ and the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City's website or follow us on X, Instagram or Facebook.