Hamilton Public Library Celebrates Jackie Washington Day  

HAMILTON, ON – February 20, 2025 – Hamilton Public Library celebrates Black History Month and the life and legacy of Hamilton jazz legend Jackie Washington with a Noon Hour Concert featuring award-winning musician Ken Whiteley at Central Library on Friday, February 21, from 12:30-1:30pm. 

Ken was Jackie’s long-time friend and collaborator for more than 50 years. He will share stories and perform music from Jackie’s vast repertoire, including old swing tunes, popular standards, humorous and sentimental songs, and originals.  

Jackie Washington Day at HPL is an annual event that pays tribute to the beloved Hamilton musician and Canada’s first Black disc jockey. His seven-decade career enriched Hamilton’s cultural life and earned him national recognition. This event is part of HPL’s month-long Black History Month programming, which celebrates Black history, culture, and the legacy of Black Canadians. 

Other upcoming Black History Month events at HPL include the Write Like – Anthology Launch on February 21 at Central 5:30-7pm. See all the remaining Black History Month events at hpl.ca. Staff has also curated recommended books, films, and music by Black authors and artists of all ages, available through Kanopy and Hoopla with an HPL Library card. 

Full details are at hpl.ca/black-history-month.