30th Annual Black History Month Celebration, Thursday, February 1 ...

On Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 11 a.m., the Toronto Police Service will kick off the 30th anniversary of Black History Month in the main lobby of Toronto Police Headquarters, 40 College Street, as we celebrate this year’s theme of Honouring Your Past Leads to Conquering Your Future.

Chief Myron Demkiw will be joined by Toronto Police Services Board member Nadine Spencer, along with members from community organizations, and a performance by Lanaya African Cultural Group.

The Toronto Police Service will present the inaugural Terry James Trailblazer Award to a distinguished community member.

Retired Sergeant Terry James served with the Toronto Police Service from 1980 to 2010. Sgt. James was a leader and a trailblazer in her work and her community. Throughout her career with the Service, Sgt. James advocated for Black History Month and the celebration from within.

As part of TPS’ Black History Month celebrations, two additional Terry James Trailblazer Awards will be awarded at a special event being held at Tropicana Community Services, 1385 Huntingwood Drive, Scarborough, on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, from 6-8 p.m.

For further information, please contact Constable Curtis Celestine, Black Liaison Officer, at 647-355-4302 or Rose-Ann Bailey, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist, at (416) 808-0088.

Media may participate in-person and will require identification indicating they are a member of an accredited media outlet. Media interested in attending should please RSVP by contacting: [email protected].

Please note that, for the safety of employees and visitors, all persons entering Toronto Police Service headquarters must go through security screening. You are not required to submit to screening. You may leave at any time but, if you do not consent to this screening, you will be denied entry. Thank you for your cooperation.