Celebrates culture, Black arts and supports mental health initiatives 

The Black History Month Gala Fundraiser is Virtual and Interactive, with a national broadcast on Citytv

The signature event of Black History Month, the 7th Annual Black Diamond Ball Fundraiser Gala presented by ArtXperiential Projects takes place virtually on Saturday February 26th on the Hopin online platform at 7pm, with an encore broadcast

on Sunday February 27th at 5pm on Citytv, and subsequent airings on Rogers TV.

“This is the second year we have had to postpone our in-person event due to the pandemic,” explains Shawn Cuffie, VP of Operations, ArtXperiential Projects. “However, we have tentatively scheduled the Black Diamond Ball Cocktail Event in August for Emancipation Day – hopefully we will be able to safely gather again by then.”

For a second year, ArtXperiential Projects has partnered with RBC to create the RBC Black Diamond Ball Virtual Marketplace featuring Black businesses. The online marketplace will run from February to August and will showcase a wide range of Black-owned stores and products to consumers.

Beginning February 3rd, RBC Black Diamond Ball Workshops take place Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the month with virtual masterclasses that focus on business, the arts and mental health.

“We are thrilled to be supporting the workshops for a consecutive year, along with helping promote Black-owned businesses,” said Tyson Jones, VP of Commercial Financial Services at RBC. “The Black Diamond Ball Gala and its programs continue to be incredibly important to celebrating Black culture and its impact on society. Moreover, these initiatives align with RBC’s commitment to making our communities inclusive and diverse. Harnessing the potential of our future and present leaders and creating equitable opportunities today is critical to a better future for all.”

Rogers Communications Inc. is the Media Sponsor for this year’s Virtual Black Diamond Ball. In addition to broadcasting the gala on Citytv and Rogers tv, the event will also be promoted

across the company’s media brands and platforms.

On Saturday night, an interactive online pre-show on Hopin starts at 7pm, the Gala event at 8pm and the virtual after party at 9pm. Tune in to Citytv on February 27th at 5pm. 

Hosted by Juno Award winning R&B singer and songwriter Sean Jones and Reality Star Auntie Jillian, all Canadians will have a front row seat to a spectacular showcase of Canada’s top talent: Juno Reggae Award Winner and RBC Emerging artist Tome, R&B group Soul Sessions, singer-songwriter Domanique Grant, soca singer Jaxx, multimedia artist Mark Stoddart, saxophonist BePraize Sax and skating sensation Elladj Baldé!

This year’s supporters include Rogers Mosaic Inclusive and Diversity Employee Resource Group, RBC Royal Bank, Puma, OCAD University, MHC and CE Clothier.

Complimentary tickets for the Black Diamond Ball Gala Fundraiser are available at blackdiamondballto.com  Updates and Black businesses spotlight can be found at @blackdiamondballto   Visit www.Rogerstv.com for broadcast details.