Toronto’s signature Black History Month gala, the 11th Annual RBC Black Diamond Ball returns on Saturday, February 28th, 2026 at the iconic Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex, Exhibition Place, 25 British Columbia Road, Toronto, with Black Carpet beginning at 6:30PM. Among the distinguished dignitaries attending and bringing remarks are The Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto. The black-tie event will also be broadcast on Citytv sponsored by Rogers Sports & Media on Sunday, March 8th, 2026 at 5PM EST.
Produced by ArtXperiential Projects, the 2026 Ball embraces its theme, “Level Up,” inspiring individuals and communities to break barriers, foster mentorship, and drive financial empowerment and collective strength. This year’s 2026 RBC Black Diamond Ball Award recipients are:
- Innovator Award – Dr. Joseph Omale, Founder and CEO, Partyra
- Community Arts Legacy Award – Kafi Pierre, Producer, TO Live
- Healthcare Award – Dr. Natasha Williams, Clinical and Rehabilitation Psychologist
- Soul & Unity Award – JRDN, Juno-award winning singer-songwriter
“This year’s RBC Black Diamond Ball reflects our theme, Level Up – challenging us to grow together and uplift one another,” said Shawn Cuffie, Founder of the RBC Black Diamond Ball. “At its core, the Ball is about impact and celebrating excellence while standing in solidarity with communities in need.”
“At RBC, we believe that our strength is rooted in the communities we serve. We’re proud to champion Black businesses and celebrate artistic excellence. The RBC Black Diamond Ball is not just a celebration, but a platform that helps drive community resilience and growth,” said Roger Cogle, Vice President of Commercial Financial Services at RBC.
2026 Highlights:
- Headline Performance by Juno Award-winning artist JRDN – delivering an unforgettable live set blending fan favourites and new music
- Hosted by Juno-Award-winning singer, songwriter and actor Sean Jones, guiding guests through an evening of high energy performances, tributes and community fundraising
- A Tribute to the Late Patrick Parson, visionary founder of Ballet Creole, honouring his enduring impact on Black dance and cultural expression in Canada
- Live performances by DJ Donovan, Marlon Woods (percussionist), Joseph Callender (saxophone)
- The Secret Artwork Auction features authenticated Picasso replica works from the Picasso Estate Collection, directly supporting arts and community-based initiatives championed by ArtXperiential Projects.
- Live Performances from finalists of The RBC Black Diamond Ball: The Vocalist, spotlighting Canada’s next generation of vocal talent, reinforcing the Ball’s commitment to artist development, exposure, and investment in the future.
- Couture fashion presentation by Ade Bakare
The Ball continues its commitment to community impact, supporting the Alliance of Jamaican Alumni Associations (AJAA) and its school rebuilding efforts in Jamaica following the recent hurricane, while investing directly in Canadian emerging artists through The Vocalist:
• Grand Prize Winner – Donte Brown – $10,000
• Second Place – Deemo Matthews – $5,000
• Third Place – Mighloe – $2,500
The 2026 RBC Black Diamond Ball is made possible through the generous support of sponsors and partners including: Michelle Hastick Cowell (MHC), the Canadian Race Relations Foundation (CRRF), Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc., Rogers Sports & Media, Visit Jamaica, the Alliance of Jamaican Alumni Associations (AJAA), Dr. Natasha Williams, YDELAY, Startruptive, EGGS Media, Pop’s Punch, SNF Water Science, Coily Love, Portland Investment Counsel, Kaylin Smith Real Estate, Lisa Lucas Event Company | Design and Décor, CE Clothier, ArtXperiential Projects, FKB Media, Founders Original, and Grace Foods.
Evening Program
- Black Carpet: 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Dinner & Program: 8:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
- Afterparty & Headline Concert: 9:30 p.m. – Midnight
Tickets and Info:
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About Artxperiential Projects
Artxperiential Projects is a Toronto-based arts and culture organization dedicated to creating inclusive, community-driven experiences that celebrate creativity, diversity, and collective impact. Through immersive programming, workshops, festivals, showcases, and signature events such as the RBC Black Diamond Ball, Artxperiential Projects amplifies diverse voices across the arts, business, and cultural sectors. The organization is committed to accessible and inclusive programming that welcomes people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities.
