Ògo Tàwa Celebrating Black History, Empowering Black Futures Through Art and Entrepreneurship
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Toronto, ON – March 11, 2025 – Ogo Tawa, a Toronto-based organization dedicated to supporting Black art and history, is proud to announce its ongoing initiatives to honour Black historical figures and empower Black artists through entrepreneurship. At a time when conversations around representation and economic equity are more critical than ever, Ògo Tàwa is taking concrete steps to ensure Black voices are seen, heard, and celebrated.
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Honouring Black History Through Public Art
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Ògo Tàwa is currently working to erect a series of statues that tell the stories of Black historical figures who have shaped Canada’s history but remain underrepresented in public spaces. These statues will serve as lasting tributes to their contributions, ensuring their legacies are visible and accessible to all.
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"Public spaces are a reflection of our shared history and values," says Khalidah Bello, CEO of Ògo Tàwa. "By honouring these figures, we are not only correcting a historical oversight but also creating a more inclusive public landscape that acknowledges the diverse voices and experiences that have shaped Canada."
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This initiative comes as communities worldwide reevaluate the stories told in public spaces. Ogo Tawa’s work aligns with this global movement, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of Black individuals to Canada’s cultural and historical fabric.
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Empowering Black Artists Through Entrepreneurship – Artrepreneur Program
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In addition to its public art initiatives, Ògo Tàwa is bridging the gap between art and business through its Artrepreneur program. This unique initiative provides Black artists with the tools, resources, and opportunities to turn their skills into sustainable businesses.
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"Artists are not just creators—they are innovators and entrepreneurs," says Bello. "By combining art and business, we empower Black artists to thrive financially while sharing their unique perspectives and talents with the world."
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The Black Artrepreneur Program keeps growing and has achieved impactful results.
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​Through Africentric training, personalized mentorship, and a supportive community, Ogo Tawa is helping artists build sustainable futures while strengthening the creative economy. ​
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​As conversations around economic equity gain momentum, Ogo Tawa’s entrepreneurial program is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation to drive positive change. The program is part of a broader effort to support Black-owned businesses and creative enterprises and ensure they can access the resources needed to succeed.
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A Commitment to Fairness in a Changing Equity Landscape
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In recent years, conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion have evolved, with some questioning the effectiveness of traditional approaches. While the DEI landscape may be shifting, the need for meaningful representation and economic empowerment remains as urgent as ever.
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"Rather than engaging in divisive debates, we are focused on building bridges through art and entrepreneurship," says Bello. "Our work is a testament to the power of action—through initiatives that empower communities, celebrate diversity, and create tangible opportunities for underrepresented groups."
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Join Us in Making a Difference
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Ògo Tàwa invites the community to support its mission by participating in its upcoming crowdfunding campaign. Contributions will help fund the creation and installation of the statues and expand the entrepreneurial program to reach even more Black artists.
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"Together, we can ensure that Black history is not only remembered but also celebrated and that Black artists have the opportunity to thrive as creators and entrepreneurs," says Bello. "This is about more than art—it’s about building a more inclusive and equitable future for all."
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About Ògo Tàwa ​
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Ògo Tàwa is a non-profit organization that harnesses the power of art to create positive change in the world. Their mission is to help gifted, underrepresented, underserved, underemployed artists of African descent apply their artistic talents to enhance their financial security and provide better lives for themselves, their communities, and their families by providing them platforms to showcase and sell their creative works. ​
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​Audio-Visual Resources that Depict the Statue Vision
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​The link is to a 4 minute animation film created by Nigerian-based animators alongside Black Canadian creatives. The film shows the impact of the Statues project's possibilities and vision. Short Animation Film Black to the Future with Bronze Statues of Black Canadian Leaders.
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​One of the first historical figures that will be memorialized as a statue is Lucie Blackburn. Historica Canada has created a fascinating video that reveals Lucie’s story and contributions with her husband, Thornton. The illuminating 7-minute video is also featured on The Canadian Encyclopedia webpage. ​
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​Here's our 5 minute campaign theme song asking supporters to Come Along to Help Us with an Afro-pop Ballad made by Black artists in Nigeria and Canada artists on the continent who collaborated with Black Canadian artists and volunteered their creative talents as the first ambassadors of this cause. ​
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​Website ogotawa.ca | Instagram, TikTok, Facebook @ogotawa