A week after Hurricane Melissa brought heartbreaking devastation to Jamaica, an incredible coalition of community partners came together in solidarity: Taslan Protective Services, The 519 Black Collective, Pride Toronto, Craig Dominic (Blaq like this), Polly Perry Events, DJ Blackcat, Blackness Yes, Bubbles Entertainment, Lounanjio Brown O’Sullivan and Black CAP united in love and purpose to support queer & trans communities in Jamaica affected by the Hurricane.
To everyone who attended, danced, and donated, and to those who couldn’t be there in person but still gave so generously; thank you from the depths of our hearts. Your solidarity turned this effort into something truly powerful. You reminded us what community care looks like!
Your kindness will travel far beyond the dance floor helping our queer and trans siblings rebuild, recover, and know they are never alone. Stay tuned for updates on how your support made an impact, including photos and stories from our outreach efforts in Jamaica.
With endless gratitude💛
Updated ticket link!
🌪️ Jamaica Needs Us. Let’s Dance for a Cause. 🌈
Hurricane Melissa Jamaica’s strongest storm in history has left thousands without homes, power, or safety. Our LGBTQ+ family there faces unimaginable hardship.
On Saturday, Nov 8 @ The 519, we’re coming together for “When DanceHall Did Sweet” a one-night fundraiser bringing music, love, and community to raise relief for queer Jamaicans affected by this disaster.
💃🏾 Presented by: Taslan Protective Services Inc., DJ BlackCat, Polly Perry – Open Mind Events, Craig Dominic, Blackness Yes, Bubbles Entertainment & The 519 Black Collective.
🌍 All proceeds go to the Larry Chang Foundation for direct aid distribution.
Let’s show the world that our love and solidarity are stronger than any storm.
email inquiries to [email protected]
A beautiful and touching look into the life of Michelle Ross, and all the people she and Earl made memories for. An Unknown Icon to some, but known, cherished, and loved to us.
Check it out on @cbcgem and YouTube today!
We are overwhelmed with the joy of yesterday! Toronto…world! You showed up for the biggest Blockobana yet!
So big we’re planning next year as of today! Big thank you to the community for sharing your love and energy with us, for dancing the day and night away with us, for carrying us into this emancipation day!
Our performers were 🔥
The music was 🔥
The food, the mood, and the attitude was 🔥
Shout out: @dj__freshkidd@mamii_chula254@djbigg_biggz@snuggzthedj@jordior (Happy Birthday!!) @devinedarlin@officialzochimusic@torontokikiballroomalliance@_callmepogi@_djyoungzee@_iamdjprestige@djblackcatt@craigdominic
Thanks to the volunteers and bar personnel who showed up and put in work to make sure our small committee of 4 could soar to new heights!
Thank you to our community Health partners: @whiwhchc@parkdalequeenwest_chc@blackcapto
Our vendors @slaylikerayboutique@batikboutikclothing@sweethanddelights@thedinerscorner@mystical.moon.creations
This event would have looked very different without the help of @the519 whose knowledge of the park, the infrastructure and the logistics of operating in the space, and the care for the park residents was so valuable; the Toronto Arts Council Black Projects Grant that has helped sustain this event the last few years; @taslanprotectiveservicesinc for their expertise in securing the space for us to enjoy ourselves, Councillor Chris Moise and his office, @pridetoronto for their ongoing support, and @blaqlikethis (Something you should watch out for)….we thank you all!
It was said during pride that we need to “to take up space in the places that love US BACK!”. Thank you for moving with us into new spaces; as we grow Blockbana into a party that rivals Blockorama as the largest gathering of African, Caribbean, and Black LGBTQI+ folks in the entire country. We will continue to grow and improve and sustain this party; and with your continued support, the odds will never be stacked against us.
We’re happy to announce that next week’s Blockobana will be returning to Barbara Hall Park after a long 8 years! We’re back in the village, , right downtown, and we’re taking great measures to ensure the event is safe, a success, and every bit of the Blockobana you’re used to!
Tickets let us know how many people to expect, gets yours through the link in our bio
Blockobana is back and bigger than ever!
We’re two weeks away and we heard you loud and clear that our last location was not a safe space for us to celebrate Caribana!
We’ve worked all year to find a new spot and though we’re still confirming with the city, GO GET YOUR FREE TICKETS today and we’ll announce soon!
Link in bio
Featuring:
@gohardevents@_iamdjprestige@_djyoungzee@snuggzthedj@devinedarlin@jordior
Hosted @ohbumbarassclot
We’re back and BIGGER than ever!!
New year, new location, same Black queer joy, culture, and community!
Here are our first 4 announced artists
🔥 @djblackcatt 🔥 @_iamdjprestige 🔥 @snuggzthedj 🔥 @devinedarlin
Hosted by @ohbumbarassclot
You already know what kind of energy we’re bringing
🗓️ Mark your calendars. 📍 New location. New vibes. 🎟️ Tickets available now — link in bio!
Location is SO close to being finalized!
#Blockobana2025 #BlackQueerJoy #TorontoEvents #QueerAndFree #BlackExcellence #Blocko #Blockobana
