Black Arts & Innovation Expo to Put Contemporary Spin on Black History Month
Industry: Business
Event aims to celebrate forward-thinking innovators who are working to leave a positive impact on Canada
TORONTO, ONTARIO (PRUnderground) February 17th, 2016
Excelovate, in conjunction with First Book Canada, is pleased to present the Black Arts & Innovation Expo 2016. The event is scheduled for February 27, 2016, from 4pm – 10pm at Artscape Wychwood Barns on 601 Christie St. in Toronto.
Excelovate and First Book Canada have partnered with leading technology corporations, entrepreneurs, artists, and innovators to deliver an event that inspires and promotes diversity.
While many Black History Month events strive to highlight the achievements of ancestors, the Black Arts & Innovation Expo 2016 looks to underscore the works of current-day innovators who are working diligently to make a positive change across Canada. The event will feature international recording artist, producer, and executive Kardinal Offishall, supermodel Stacey McKenzie, singer/songwriter Allie, and the bestselling author of Animal, K’Wan Foye.
Attendees will enjoy a panel discussion hosted by Tika Simone, live performances by John River, the AfroLatino Dance Company, Allie, Ascension Groove, and the Kenn Lewis Trio. Featured exhibitors will include artists Komi Olaf, Ekow Nimako and Apanaki Temitayo. Authors on-site will include K’Wan Foye, Dalton Higgins, and Claudette McGowan, who will preview her latest children’s title, Freshy.
Admission to the Black Arts & Innovation Expo 2016 will be $5 for children and $10 for adults. The event will also feature ten $2,000 scholarships, a silent auction, 3 Community Trailblazer awards, food tastings, a Lion’s Lair competition, books and art for sale, author signings, and a kids’ playzone.
In its second year, the Black Arts & Innovation Expo has added new dynamics to the event, such as the Lion’s Lair – a competitive think-tank challenge. The winner will receive $5,000 to launch or expand their business.
Excelovate and First Book Canada invite the public to meet an outstanding group of 18 new leaders, along with a few living legends, while experiencing their contributions to the arts, entrepreneurship, and technology.
“This event defines a new way of celebrating Black History Month with focused attention placed on the remarkable achievements of tomorrow’s legends,” said Emmy Eaton, Excelovate’s Vice President of Operations.
According to Eaton, one of the key things that differentiates this event is the onsite career fair. Tech companies are actively reaching out to broader communities in order to engage youth and raise awareness about the many opportunities in the STEAM industry. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics). Companies participating include Facebook Canada, Lexmark, Compucom, Dell, Tracker Networks, Compugen, and other leading tech companies.
More information about the Black Arts & Innovation Expo 2016 can be found at https://www.blackexpo.ca.
About First Book Canada
First Book Canada provides access to new books for children. To date, First Book Canada has distributed more than 4.5 million books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low-income families throughout Canada.
About Excelovate
Excelovate is a human services company focused on helping people and enriching lives through book and app publishing, personal coaching, and business consulting.
