The RBC Black Diamond Ball Presents: Before The Ball
Announcing New Additions to the Signature Event of Black History Month
January 29, 2024 (Toronto, ON) - The signature event of Black History Month, The 9th Annual RBC Black Diamond Ball, is kicking off this year’s gala with Before The Ball at The Well, 8 Spadina Avenue on Friday, February 2nd, 2024, Workshop at 7:00 PM, the first of three events in February.
On Friday, February 2nd emerging artists will get the chance to compete in the brand new showcase, The Vocalist, for $4000 in cash prizes and an opportunity to perform at The RBC Black Diamond Ball on Saturday, February 24th at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. The Vocalist will be hosted by Hollywood Jade from RuPaul’s Drag Queen. Judges are: Artist Manager Tia Gordon, CBC Music producer Randy Chung, The Hook & Company founder Michelle Allman-Esdaille and Dance Music Icon Simone Denny. This electrifying singing competition begins at 8:30 PM.
“We are continuing the tradition of holding workshops and featuring Black businesses through our RBC Black Business Marketplace which will be set up in The Well during all Before The Ball events,” says Shawn Cuffie, Operations Director for ArtXperiential Projects, producers of the Black Diamond Ball. “We’ll also have experts leading masterclasses in music, mental health and entrepreneurship.” Below is the schedule for workshops, which all begin at 7:00 PM.
February 2nd - Music Workshop
February 7th - Mental Health Workshop & Entrepreneurship Workshop
February 9th - The Housing Market and the Future of Black Wealth: Legacy and Transfer
The RBC Black Diamond Ball Workshop Experience aims to increase visibility and showcase Black arts, small businesses, and BIPOC/LGBTQIA2S+ communities. The series will promote collaboration, amplify young Black voices in arts and culture, and reflect the diverse voices in the community. The workshops focus on strengthening business owners post-pandemic and supporting emerging artists, offering them opportunities to break through barriers in their sector.
“We will also be announcing this year’s line-up for the Black Diamond Ball - including the headliner,” reveals Cuffie. “As well as big changes that will be happening to our programming this year as we prepare for our celebration next year marking 10 years of the Bal!”
Light refreshments will be served.
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Media Contact:
Fennella Bruce | FKB Media Solutions | 647.290.7610 | fennella@fkbmedia.com
About The Black Diamond Ball
Not-for-profit Artxperiential Projects produces the Black Diamond Ball, which was founded in 2015 to celebrate Black culture, showcase artists, support Black youth and Black-owned businesses across Canada.
The Black Diamond Ball brings together the community and its supporters to celebrate the conclusion of Black History Month and accomplishments of the community. We do this by honouring youth and pillars of the community with awards, showcasing community businesses in a marketplace and by giving emerging and professional community artists a platform to perform and entertain before a combined audience of over 75,000 televised and in-person attendees.
Each year we put forth this signature Black History Month event to support important initiatives, artists, small businesses and to celebrate the Black community’s achievements.. We’re excited to explore and celebrate our vibrant cultures and creative communities. We know that championing diversity, inclusion and equality gives us all the sense of belonging thus encouraging our communities to thrive in a meaningful way year round.
