Black History Month 2025 - Theme and Premise
“I and I, I Wanna Rule My Destiny,” calls us to reflect on the power of self-determination and resistance within the Black community. This theme represents the strength of individuals who have taken control of their futures, navigating adversity with grace and courage. Rooted in the Rastafarian view of interconnectedness and self-empowerment, “I and I” echoes the African principle of Ubuntu. It reminds us that while our paths may be personal, we are united by a shared destiny and a collective spirit that transcends borders and time.
Throughout Black History Month 2025, we will honour those who have charted their own paths—those who, in the face of immense challenges, chose to rule their destinies. We will lift up the stories of pioneers in politics, science, the arts and education who broke barriers and made their mark on history. We will celebrate those who refused to be defined by the limitations of their time, choosing instead to write their own stories and, in doing so, inspire generations to come.
Ultimately, “I and I, I Wanna Rule My Destiny” is about breaking chains—emancipating ourselves. It celebrates not only those who defied systemic barriers but also those who continue to uplift the community today. It asks individuals to consider how they can forge their own destinies while also contributing to the collective progress of Africans everywhere. It is a call to action that asks both for introspection and a reaffirmation of communal solidarity.
It goes beyond celebrating individual triumphs—to centreing the power of unity. “I and I [We] Wanna Rule [Our] Destiny” emphasizes the strength of collective action, the importance of community, and the belief that our success is intertwined with each other. As we reflect on our shared journey, we are reminded that our destinies are interconnected. United, we can continue to push boundaries, break down barriers, and shape a future that embodies the promise of Black liberation and hope.
Jerisha Grant-Hall
Chairperson
Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association
Throughout Black History Month 2025, we will honour those who have charted their own paths—those who, in the face of immense challenges, chose to rule their destinies. We will lift up the stories of pioneers in politics, science, the arts and education who broke barriers and made their mark on history. We will celebrate those who refused to be defined by the limitations of their time, choosing instead to write their own stories and, in doing so, inspire generations to come.
Ultimately, “I and I, I Wanna Rule My Destiny” is about breaking chains—emancipating ourselves. It celebrates not only those who defied systemic barriers but also those who continue to uplift the community today. It asks individuals to consider how they can forge their own destinies while also contributing to the collective progress of Africans everywhere. It is a call to action that asks both for introspection and a reaffirmation of communal solidarity.
It goes beyond celebrating individual triumphs—to centreing the power of unity. “I and I [We] Wanna Rule [Our] Destiny” emphasizes the strength of collective action, the importance of community, and the belief that our success is intertwined with each other. As we reflect on our shared journey, we are reminded that our destinies are interconnected. United, we can continue to push boundaries, break down barriers, and shape a future that embodies the promise of Black liberation and hope.
Jerisha Grant-Hall
Chairperson
Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association
Call For Artists
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Q&A
1) Where is the exhibition taking place?
The exhibit will be located at the Serpa Gallery located in The Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford Street, Newmarket ON
2) What mediums are permitted to be submitted?
All forms of Visual Arts will be welcomed including photography, painting, filmmaking, sculpture, digital media and mix media. This BHM25 all forms of Performing Art will be welcomed including dance, dub poetry, instrumental, pantomime, stand-up comedy, song and spoken word.
3) Who can submit art?
The call is open to all; the categories are as follows:
1. Black Youths 14 and under
2. Young Black adults 14-21
3. Black Adults 21+
4) What is the window of time to submit my art?
Visual Art artists:
The window of time for digital submission is as follows:
● Black Adults from November 15 to December 15, 2024
● Black Youths/Young Black Adults from November 15 to December 31, 2024
Performing Art artists:
The window of time for digital submission is as follows:
● Black Adults from November 15 to December 15, 2024
● Black Youths & Young Black Adults from November 15 to December 31, 2024
5) For my visual art, I would like to submit a digitally created piece of art. Is that ok?
Digital art is welcomed, or using AI to get some ideas to create digital art is okay. However,
creating a piece of art through AI to submit is not acceptable.
6) How can my art be submitted?
Each Visual Arts artist may submit one piece for consideration. Kindly include the following 9 necessary details with your submission:
1. Artist’s name
2. Title of the work
3. Medium
4. Dimensions in imperial and/or metric
5. Date of production
6. Value and whether it is for sale or not
7. The Artist statement: How the Visual Arts submission relates to the theme. Limited to 120 words (Word doc or PDF)
8. JPG image of the art
9. The Artist Bio
Artist’s preferred contact information. Participants under the age of 18 years must also provide parental/guardian’s consent and contact information. Please email the digital file to attention: Suzette Benoît at [email protected]
Each Performing Arts artist may submit one piece for consideration. Include the following with your video recorded submission:
1. Artist’s name
2. Title of the work
3. Date of production
4. The Artist statement: How the recorded performance relates to the theme. Limited to 120 words (Word doc or PDF)
5. In some cases there may be interest in having you perform your submission either at NACCA’s BHM2025 reception or an organization may make the request, please answer Y/N to any interest in this possibility.
6. USB digital file of the performance
7. The Artist Bio
Artist’s preferred contact information. Participants under the age of 18 years must also provide parental/guardian’s consent and contact information. Please email the digital file to attention: Suzette Benoît at [email protected]
7) Once I’ve completed my submission, what is the next step? How and where do I submit the physical piece of art?
Each submission which meets all of the criteria listed above will be placed, as part of the BHM25 exhibit, at Serpa Gallery located in The Old Town Hall. The physical original piece of art must be brought to the gallery, the date/time for the drop-off will be shared after the digital submission is received and accepted.
All submissions for Performing art artists must be on a digital file which will be submitted for consideration along with the information listed above; after the file is handed in nothing further will be required.
1) Where is the exhibition taking place?
The exhibit will be located at the Serpa Gallery located in The Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford Street, Newmarket ON
2) What mediums are permitted to be submitted?
All forms of Visual Arts will be welcomed including photography, painting, filmmaking, sculpture, digital media and mix media. This BHM25 all forms of Performing Art will be welcomed including dance, dub poetry, instrumental, pantomime, stand-up comedy, song and spoken word.
3) Who can submit art?
The call is open to all; the categories are as follows:
1. Black Youths 14 and under
2. Young Black adults 14-21
3. Black Adults 21+
4) What is the window of time to submit my art?
Visual Art artists:
The window of time for digital submission is as follows:
● Black Adults from November 15 to December 15, 2024
● Black Youths/Young Black Adults from November 15 to December 31, 2024
Performing Art artists:
The window of time for digital submission is as follows:
● Black Adults from November 15 to December 15, 2024
● Black Youths & Young Black Adults from November 15 to December 31, 2024
5) For my visual art, I would like to submit a digitally created piece of art. Is that ok?
Digital art is welcomed, or using AI to get some ideas to create digital art is okay. However,
creating a piece of art through AI to submit is not acceptable.
6) How can my art be submitted?
Each Visual Arts artist may submit one piece for consideration. Kindly include the following 9 necessary details with your submission:
1. Artist’s name
2. Title of the work
3. Medium
4. Dimensions in imperial and/or metric
5. Date of production
6. Value and whether it is for sale or not
7. The Artist statement: How the Visual Arts submission relates to the theme. Limited to 120 words (Word doc or PDF)
8. JPG image of the art
9. The Artist Bio
Artist’s preferred contact information. Participants under the age of 18 years must also provide parental/guardian’s consent and contact information. Please email the digital file to attention: Suzette Benoît at [email protected]
Each Performing Arts artist may submit one piece for consideration. Include the following with your video recorded submission:
1. Artist’s name
2. Title of the work
3. Date of production
4. The Artist statement: How the recorded performance relates to the theme. Limited to 120 words (Word doc or PDF)
5. In some cases there may be interest in having you perform your submission either at NACCA’s BHM2025 reception or an organization may make the request, please answer Y/N to any interest in this possibility.
6. USB digital file of the performance
7. The Artist Bio
Artist’s preferred contact information. Participants under the age of 18 years must also provide parental/guardian’s consent and contact information. Please email the digital file to attention: Suzette Benoît at [email protected]
7) Once I’ve completed my submission, what is the next step? How and where do I submit the physical piece of art?
Each submission which meets all of the criteria listed above will be placed, as part of the BHM25 exhibit, at Serpa Gallery located in The Old Town Hall. The physical original piece of art must be brought to the gallery, the date/time for the drop-off will be shared after the digital submission is received and accepted.
All submissions for Performing art artists must be on a digital file which will be submitted for consideration along with the information listed above; after the file is handed in nothing further will be required.
