Toronto Is an Oasis of Food, Culture, and Empowerment for BIPOC Creatives – Essence

Toronto is an amazing place to go to for any occasion, but the town is most enchanting throughout the summer months. When the season began in late May, I had the chance to go to Ontario’s capital to experience creativity like I had never experienced before. Toronto was buzzing with energy, art, and a palpable sense of community. Every day was full of visits to exciting places, interviews with inspiring people, and unforgettable experiences that showed the wonder and depth of the town.

Stay in Drake’s Hotelan iconic and eclectic hub situated on Toronto’s Queen Street West, added a major element to the trip. The hotel itself felt like a creative haven—a fusion of art, design, and urban comfort. The décor, combined with the view from the rooftop, made it the proper backdrop for my city adventures. Every morning began with a burst of inspiration, whether it was savoring pancakes on the Drake Café or admiring the gallery-worthy art scattered throughout the property.

One of the highlights of the trip was the VIP event at Wellington Market, affectionately often called Well—throughout the reopening celebration. With greater than 50 food and beverage vendors, the market was a showcase for Toronto’s diverse culinary scene and an ideal option to kick off summer. The 70,000-square-foot space offered the whole lot from fresh local produce to globally inspired dishes. The market felt like a microcosm of the town—bustling, diverse, and full of flavor. Whether it was artisanal baked goods or fusion cuisine, each meal told a story of Toronto’s culinary culture.

Another vital event was my visit to Nia Art CenterLocated in the guts of a historically Caribbean neighborhood with a protracted history of artistic and creative entrepreneurship, this space is the primary skilled Black arts center in Canada and is greater than just a spot—it’s a logo of cultural preservation and empowerment. Walking through the exhibit with its spaces and theaters, it was clear that the Nia Center serves as a spot for Black artists and creators to thrive. The sense of purpose and commitment to the humanities was deeply inspiring. The digital media lab and youth center create opportunities for the subsequent generation of talent, ensuring that the humanities remain accessible and Black voices are amplified in meaningful ways.

During my stay at The Drake Hotel, I had the chance to talk with the incomparable Kadon Douglas, Executive Director BIPOC TV & Film. In 2023, Indeed partnered with Hillman Grad and TIFF to launch Rising Voices Canada, a program designed to uplift and speed up the careers of emerging BIPOC filmmakers. Kadon’s words resonated deeply as she spoke concerning the importance of making a protected and supportive community for filmmakers of color. “The cornerstone of BIPOC TV & Film is community and creating that safety,” she said. “There’s a place where people can come to rest.” The freedom she described—where filmmakers could give attention to their craft without the burden of racial trauma—was inspiring. The program itself is groundbreaking, giving talented individuals access to resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities that may propel their careers forward.

Toronto’s summer charm spread to each corner I visited, especially during Indigenous Fashion Art Festival. The event, held on the Eaton Centre, was a vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture through fashion. Six Indigenous fashion collections were presented, each telling a robust story of tradition, innovation and transcendent love. The atmosphere was electric, with daring designs that combined modern aesthetics with deep cultural meaning. This festival was a reminder of the wonder and resilience of Indigenous art, and it was an honor to witness this fusion of fashion and cultural pride.

The next day brought a change of pace with a visit to OverActive Media, Canada’s largest esports ownership group. Their headquarters was a haven for gaming enthusiasts, and I had the chance to take an in-depth take a look at how the corporate operates from the within, in addition to a glimpse into the long run of the gaming industry. Here, we discussed Toronto’s burgeoning esports scene and its impact on the town’s economy. Demand for live events has skyrocketed, and OverActive Media is on the forefront, bringing world-class esports events to Toronto while constructing a world fan base through its offices in Madrid and Berlin.

Toronto’s film and television industry was on full display on the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards held on the CBC Broadcasting Centre. The event was an impressive tribute to the perfect of Canadian film, television and digital media. Speaking to the numerous attendees — who included actors, directors, producers and industry influencers — I used to be reminded of how Toronto has turn out to be a beacon of artistic talent, attracting creators from around the globe. Tonya Williams received the Changemaker Award, the comedy award and the documentary was an ideal success on the ceremony, providing a fitting end to a journey that highlighted Toronto’s role as a centre for culture and creativity.

When you consider your time in Toronto, it’s amazing how much the town has to supply, especially in the summertime when its energy is at its highest. From art to culinary experiences, fashion to esports, Toronto thrives on diversity, creativity and a way of community. The Drake Hotel, with its artistic flair, has only enhanced this experience, making every moment of your trip feel like a fusion of luxury and culture. Toronto is a spot it is best to aspire to go to not less than once in your life.