TORONTO, Feb. 4, 2021 /CNW/ - Today, Mayor John Tory announced new online content for the Awakenings program at the Toronto History Museums for Black History Month, which includes music, film discussions on the effects of racism on physical and mental health and a new artist mentorship program.

Mayor Tory was joined by Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson (Scarborough Centre), Chair of the City's Economic and Community Development Committee, as well as Weyni Mengesha, Artistic Director at Soulpepper Theatre Company, Kardinal Offishall, renowned Canadian rapper, record producer and record executive, Roger Mooking, Food Network and Cooking Channel host, chef and recording artist, and John Wiggins, Vice President, Organizational Culture and Inclusion for the Toronto Raptors.

Launched in December 2020, Awakenings is a series of art projects by Black, Indigenous and artists of colour, operating under the principles of anti-oppression, anti-colonialism and anti-racism. The series is part of the City's efforts to address anti-Black racism.

In July 2020, the City committed more than $1.2 million in cultural and economic investments to confront anti-Black racism. The City's Confronting Anti-Black Racism unit and Economic Development and Culture division have developed opportunities such as Awakenings to increase support for Toronto's Black creative communities.

Today, Awakenings announces an exciting new music project, as well as other just released content and more Awakenings Reflections behind-the-scenes discussions. Program details are available at http://www.toronto.ca/museums. Additional Awakenings programming will be available throughout 2021.