A StoryBridge Open Circle Outreach Event in Celebration of Black History Month
Black History Month is a time to honour Black excellence, but it is also an invitation to listen, reflect, and learn. Black Voices on a Page offers a calm, intentional space to engage deeply with Black Canadian stories through guided reflection, shared dialogue, and collective learning.
Why This Gathering Matters:
While panels, lectures, and performances are common during Black History Month, Black Voices on a Page offers something different, a non-performative, reflective, and intimate space centred on storytelling, listening and bridgebuilding.
Black Voices on a Page
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Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026
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Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
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Location: 115 Drake Centre, 181 Freedman Crescent University of Manitoba (Asper School of Business Building)
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Format: In-person | Facilitated Sharing Circle
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Audience: Open to all who can read and communicate in English
Black Canadian memoirs and books hold powerful insights into identity, belonging, migration, resilience, and navigating life and systems in Canada.
By gathering around these stories in a facilitated sharing circle, participants are invited to reflect on personal and collective lessons, build empathy, and deepen understanding across diverse cultures and lived experiences.
Featured Storytellers & Books:
Devon Clunis
"ONE – A Story of Hope in Our Time"
An inspiring autobiography chronicling Devon Clunis’s journey from a small village in Jamaica to becoming Canada’s first Black Chief of Police, and later Ontario’s inaugural Inspector General of Policing. The book explores leadership, belonging, service, and hope in the face of systemic barriers.
Patlee Creary, PhD
A lyrical collection of essays, poetry, and spoken-word reflections tracing a hero’s journey from intergenerational trauma to self-sovereignty. Written for overachievers, caregivers, and healing souls, this book invites readers to stop performing for the world and begin witnessing their own story with honesty and compassion.
'Segun Olude
"Itàn ati Àṣà Ìbíle Yorùbá: The Yorùbá Narrative in Words and Images"
A powerful cultural preservation project introducing readers to Yorùbá history, language, and values through storytelling, explanation, and visual imagery. The book reconnects readers, especially those in the diaspora, with indigenous knowledge, traditions, and worldviews.
Participants are encouraged, but not required, to read one of the selected books ahead of time.
Book excerpts and guided reflection questions will be provided to help frame discussion and
support meaningful engagement with the text and with one another.
Event Partners & Sponsors
Why Attend
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Celebrate equity, diversity, and inclusion with us at this Black History Month celebration event.
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Engage in lifelong learning and reflective practice that center underrepresented voices, shared understanding, and collective growth.
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Connect with neighbours, storytellers, story-listeners through community engagment and relationship-building to build a more inclusive city.
Support Our Work
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Donate: Make a donation to sustain free and low‑cost community programs.
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Sponsor: Partner with StoryBridge to support inclusive storytelling across Winnipeg.
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Volunteer: Join our volunteer team for event support and future programs.
Accessibility & Inclusion
We aim to make this event welcoming and accessible.
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Venue access: Wheelchair‑accessible entrance and washrooms.
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Seating: Mix of chair seating and open space; ushers available for support.
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Sound: Microphones for all speakers; PA system for performances.
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Sensory: Quiet space available (on request).
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Language: Program delivered in English; simple language and plain‑English summaries where possible.
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Support: If you have accessibility needs (ASL interpretation, reserved seating, mobility support, etc.), please contact us in advance, so we can do our best to accommodate you.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is the event family‑friendly? Yes! This is an all‑ages event with a welcoming atmosphere.
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What is the dress code? Casual and comfortable.
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Is this a paid event? Attendance is free; however registration is required. Click the 'Get Tickets' button to register.
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Will there be photography/videography? Yes, we may document the event for StoryBridge communications. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let an usher know upon arrival; we’ll provide a discreet indicator.
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Is there parking or public transportation nearby? Yes. Free and paid parking lots are located within a short distance of the event site. The event site is a 1 to 5-minute walk to/from transit stops.