Black History Month 2026

February is Black History Month, a time to honour the histories, cultures, achievements and contributions of people of African descent. It is an opportunity to deepen understanding of Black Canadian history, recognize the impacts of anti-Black racism and celebrate the vital role Black communities have played in shaping Toronto and Canada.

The theme “Roots, Resilience & Renewal” celebrates the lasting contributions of Black communities, acknowledges their continued leadership and innovation despite systemic barriers and reinforces the City’s commitment to ongoing antiracism efforts and inclusive, forward-looking growth. The City has curated a list of events happening this month, which you can read below. 

In 1979, Toronto became the first municipality in Canada to proclaim Black History Month through the efforts of many individuals and organizations such as the Ontario Black History Society. Black History Month is an opportunity for the City of Toronto to recognize the contributions that Black Canadians make to the life of Toronto in such areas as education, medicine, art, culture, public service, economic development, politics and human rights.

The City annually marks Black History Month and works continually throughout the year on the goals defined by the Toronto Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism, which was endorsed by City Council in 2017. Throughout February, the City will spotlight community events and initiatives that uplift and support progress in areas such as housing, employment pathways, wellness and safety and justice reform. Learn more about City-hosted and sponsored events at: toronto.ca/BlackHistoryMonth

 

Events

  • Toronto Public Library : Browse upcoming events  at numerous library branches in celebration of Black History Month, including year-round. Some events require advanced registration.
  • Toronto History Museums: Browse upcoming events in celebration of Black History Month, many which are free.
  • Gathering at the Table: A Chef-in-Residence Celebration: February 21 at 6:00pm; Join a thoughtfully curated dinner honouring the flavours of the African Diaspora. Purchase tickets.
  • Freedom Friday: A Gospel Choir Workshop Experience: February 20 at 7:30pm; Celebrate the spirit of freedom through music. Purchase tickets. 
  • Toronto Archives Black History Month Showcase: February 5, 5:00pm to 10:00pm: Join the Canada Black Music Archives (CBMA) for its showcase of Toronto’s premium soul and R&B artists. Register for free.
    • 5 to 6 p.m. Celebrity chef, author and artist Roger Mooking in conversation with CBMA Executive Director and Co-Founder, Phil Vassell.
    • 6 to 10 p.m. R&B and soul performance showcase featuring veteran Black Canadian musicians Jully Black, Tanika Charles, Dru, formerly of In Essence, Liberty Silver and DJ Carl Allen.
  • Black History in Verse: February 27 at 6:30pm; Enjoy a free night of poetry featuring Toronto Poet Laureate Lillian Allen and Toronto Youth Poet Laureate Shahaddah Jack joined by a dozen guest poets who will read, recite and rejoice.

Exploring the City

Self-guided Tours

  • Explore this stretch of Eglinton Street West from Bathurst Street to Dufferin Street – home to Little Jamaica – which has developed quickly over the past century and continues to transform. View the Eglinton West Growth and Transformation tour.
  • Take in the arts and landmarks of Oakwood Village, a neighbourhood just south of Little Jamaica and known for its Caribbean, Portuguese and Italian communities. View the Arts in Oakwood tour.

Public Art, Recreation Facilities & Parks Honouring Black Figures

History & Literature

Toronto Public Library

Browse lists of fiction and non-fiction ebooks available through the Toronto Public Library on OverDrive:

YouTube Playlists

Social Media

Social media users can follow the following City accounts for images and stories of significant Black figures to celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth:

Latest posts

More than 130 residents participated in community safety meetings hosted by my office and Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) this spring in St. James Town and Moss Park. The meetings brought together residents, TCHC staff, Toronto Police Service, the City's Violence Intervention and Support Unit, Fred Victor, and Unison Health and Community Services to discuss local safety concerns and identify solutions.

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