February is Black History Month, a period dedicated to celebrating the achievements, cultures and stories of Black people, as well as their triumphs over systemic racism, colonialism and other forms of oppression.
It is often seen as an opportunity for reflection, and to take note of the contributions Black people have made, and continue to make, to society in the arts, sciences, politics and many other realms. Black History Month is also utilized by many to spotlight the lives of those who were previously overlooked or omitted from mainstream narratives.
So, in honour of Black History Month, Now Toronto is spotlighting five Black Canadian authors whose works explore the nuances of the Black experience across a range of storytelling mediums.
Zalika Reid-Benta
Zalika Reid-Benta is a Toronto-based writer whose debut short story collection, Frying Plantain, delves into the everyday life of a young Black girl growing up in Toronto, examining themes of cultural identity and the immigrant experience.
Reid-Benta released her debut novel, River Mama in 2023, a fantastical story about a young woman named Alicia who is traversing a tumultuous quarter-life-crisis. Amid the stress of trying to build a life post grad school, she embarks on a mythical journey through the streets of Toronto where she encounters the Jamaican water deity who sends her on a mythical quest.
Notable works: Frying Plantain, River Mama.
Dionne Brand
Dionne Brand is an accomplished poet, novelist, and essayist, who has made her mark on Canada’s literary scene with works that examine the intersectionality of race, gender, and history. She is an authoritative literary voice with 23 published books, 12 of which are poetry, six fiction and five non-fiction.
Notable works: In Another Place, Not Here, A Map to the Door of No Return, Salvage, Theory, Bread Out of Stone.
Nadia Hohn
Nadia Hohn is a Black Canadian author and teacher who is best known for her work in children’s literature. Her writing often explores themes of identity, culture, and the Black diaspora, particularly through the eyes of young people. She is a staunch advocate for diversity in children’s literature and has dedicated her career to penning more inclusive and authentic representations of Black and Caribbean identities to younger audiences.
Notable works Malaika’s Costume, Malaika’s Winter Carnival, A Likkle Miss Lou, Patty Dreams.
Desmond Cole
Born in Toronto to Jamaican immigrants, Desmond Cole was raised in the city. His upbringing ingrained a multi-faceted understanding of both the difficulties and cultural depth of the Black experience in Canada, which he explores extensively in The Skin We’re In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power.
Described by Penguin Random House as a “bracing, revelatory work of award-winning journalism,” Cole’s book soared to the top of the national bestseller list with its scathing critique of those who argue we live in “a post-racial nation.”
Cole is also a powerful advocate for social justice and often uses his platform to challenge racial inequalities ingrained in Canadian society.
Notable works: The Skin We’re In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power (2020).
Mohamed Abdulkarim Ali
Ali is a Black, Somali-Canadian writer, poet, and advocate known for work that explores migration, queer identity, and the refugee experience.
Ali has become a notable voice in Canadian literature for his portrayal of the African diaspora and the complexities of being a refugee in Canada. His memoir, Angry Queer Somali Boy blends personal narratives with wider societal issues, offering a distinct perspective on the immigrant experience in Canada and the modern world.
Notable works:The African Connection (2022).
