6th Annual Black Arts & Innovation Expo brings STEAM to York Mills Gallery

Toronto, ON (Feb. 24th, 2020) – To close out Black History Month, Toronto-based Excelovate and First Book Canada have partnered with tech giants like Apple, Google, Microsoft, IBM and CISCO to host the 6th Annual Black Arts & Innovation Expo (BAIE) on February 29th.The contributions that Black Canadians have made to science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) are vast. The organizers of BAIE are looking to celebrate Black History Month, but with a tech twist. “If we can’t see it… we don’t think we can be it. I want to showcase the amazing career opportunities in STEAM industries. It’s my mission to ensure that all communities are aware that there is room at the table for people with the right desire and skills,” said Claudette McGowan, founder of BAIE.

Hosted by ACE West from Flow 93.5 FM, BAIE will feature live music performances by rising Nigerian-Canadian R&B/hip hop star Tobi  who is signed to Sony Music (Same Plate Entertainment) and has been featured in Billboard, soul singer-songwriter Drae Ennis, and Juno Award-nominated gospel vocalist Patricia Shirley. The event will also feature a keynote address by Omar Allison, followed by a panel discussion featuring recognizable leaders in the Black community entitled “Start Up & Thrive”, in addition to the wildly popular Lions Lair live pitch competition where one entrepreneur wins a $15,000 business grant. Last year’s winner was Ermias Nagatu, founder of fast rising VR company Wishplay. The event also awards 10 students with $5,000 scholarships each, and connects students with top-tier companies that are actively hiring diverse talent for STEAM roles.

The 6th Annual BAIE will also feature a wide range of top brands, exhibitors, sponsors and activations including ATLAS 365, Black Boys Code, Clo Clo Foundation, Compugen, DELL, Dream Legacy Foundation, Elevate, Excelovate, First Book Canada, George Brown College, Google,  Global DWS, HOOT Suite, Hybrid Garb, IBM, i League Wireless, Lexmark, Linkedin, McMaster University Dept of Science, Move The Dial, NextUp, Rangle.io, Sarah Terrill, Sistertalk Leadership Academy, TekStaff, Tracker Networks and Wealth Nuvo.

                                Venue: York Mills Gallery (1885 Leslie Street)
                                Date: Saturday, February 29th, 2020
                                Time: 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm
                                Admission: $20
                                Info: excelovate.com/baie