Celebrating Black History Month with YMCA Calgary

Each February, we come together to honor Black History Month—a time that invites us to listen, learn and come together to celebrate the stories, culture, and contributions of Black communities. Since 1995, this month has provided an important opportunity to reflect on the past, recognize achievements, and celebrate the voices that shape our history.

At YMCA Calgary, we are dedicated to creating spaces where everyone belongs. We believe in fostering diversity, inclusion, and connection, not just during Black History Month, but every day. Throughout the month, we invite you to join us in celebrating Black History through programs, events, and activities that highlight creativity, culture, and community.

Whether you’re moving to the beat in a dance class, discovering new perspectives through art, or coming together at a community event, there are countless ways to learn and connect. These experiences are meant to spark conversation, inspire understanding, and bring our community closer together.

How will you take part in Black History Month this year?

Fitness Classes

• Cardio Dance Class with Caprice
  • February 2 at 12:15 – 1:00 pm at Saddletowne YMCA
  • February 23 at 12:15 – 1:00 pm at Saddletowne YMCA 

Get moving in this upbeat Cardio Dance class led by Caprice! This fun and energetic fitness class will have you dancing like nobody’s watching with popular moves from different Black cultural dance styles like Soca, afro jazz, afro beats, hip hop, pop and maybe a little bit of Caribbean folk dance! This class features high and low impact movement that may be modified to a variety of fitness levels.

• AfroJazz Dance Class
  • February 6 at 12:15 – 1:00 pm at Remington YMCA in Quarry Park

Join one of our AfroJazz instructors for a class the combines the modern form of dance with its original African ethnic roots. This class focuses more on rhythm and improvisation, keeping it simple and cultural.

Live Theatre Performances

As I must Live It  

• February 6 at 7:00 pm at Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton
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• February 7 at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm at Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton
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• February 13 at 7:00 pm at Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge
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• February 14 at 2:00 & 7:00 pm at Shane Homes YMCA at Rocky Ridge
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Join award-winning spoken word artist Luke Reece for a funny, heartfelt, and pun-filled performance. Through clever storytelling, Luke shares his experiences growing up in a mixed-race family with his mentally-ill father, brought to life with immersive projections for a truly engaging show.

Live Painting

Live Painting with Syd the Artiste

• February 19 at 9:30 – 11:30 am at Remington YMCA in Quarry Park
• February 24 at 9:30 – 11:30 am at Saddletowne YMCA

Experience a masterpiece come to life right before your eyes. Calgary artist, Sydonne Warren, will be joining us at Remington YMCA in Quarry Park and Saddletowne YMCA to create an original painting in celebration of Black History Month.

Saddletowne YMCA Community Events

• Trivia Night
  • February 4 at 5:00 – 6:30 pm
• Arts & Crafts Night
  • February 11 at 5:00 – 7:00 pm
• Movie Night
  • February 13 at 5:00 – 7:00 pm
  • February 27 at 5:00 – 7:00 pm
• Staff vs Youth Basketball Game
  • February 20 at 3:00 – 4:00 pm

Ready to join the fun? These events require registration, so make sure to sign up here.