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

Angela James Arena
Dr. Daniel Hill Park
Herbert H. Carnegie Centennial Centre
Hubbard Park
Jean Augustine Park
Jimmy Wisdom mural by Adrian Hayles
Joshua Glover Park & sculpture Step Forward into History by Quentin Vercetty
Len Braithwaite Park
Michaëlle Jean painting by Leyland Adams
Randy Padmore Park
Reggae Lane mural by Adrian Hayles depicting local and legendary reggae artists
Rita Cox Park
Stanley G. Grizzle Park
Viola Desmond Park

History & Literature

Caribbean Connection: One Man’s Crusade, an online exhibit looking at Donald Moore, a community leader and civil rights activist who fought to change Canada’s exclusionary immigration laws.
See milestones in Canadian Black history.
Discover history through archival evidence of Toronto’s Black population in the City Archives.
Learn about Dr. Rita Cox and the Rita Cox Black and Caribbean Heritage Collection at Toronto Public Library.
Deepen your understanding of the impacts of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and slavery in Toronto and Canada.

Toronto Public Library

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

YouTube Playlists

Watch videos created by Black artists for Toronto History Museums.
Watch Black firefighters speak candidly about Black History Month and their experiences in the Toronto Fire Services.

Social Media

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

Archives' Instagram accounts
Toronto History Museums' Facebook , Toronto History Musuems' Twitter and Toronto History Museums' Instagram accounts
City of Toronto Confronting Anti-Black Racism Unit's Twitter account

Latest posts

Church Street Pedestrianization Public Survey

The City is doing a survey of the Church Street Pedestrianization Project that my office and the Church-Wellesley Village BIA is operating on Church Street between Wellesley Street East and Alexander Street until August 21. Your feedback will help inform the City's response to future street closures here and across the City. If your a resident who has been to Church Street, take the survey! And if you haven't yet been, come see what you're missing then take the survey! The survey closes September 7, 2026.

Identify ‘N Impact Youth Grants - Apply by September 15!

The City of Toronto’s Identify ‘N Impact community grant helps promote youth engagement and community safety by providing up to $17K for youth-led (15-29) initiatives that help with violence prevention, mental health and well-being, skills development, arts and youth-friendly spaces. Applications are now open until September 15 at 12:00pm.

Biidaasige Park is Bigger, Better and more Beautiful!

Opened last year, Biidaasige Park is expanding with 10 more acres of public waterfront space at 238 Cherry Street on Ookwemin Minising. With new places to walk, cycle, paddle, gather, enjoy public art and take in skyline views, residents and visitors are invited to come celebrate during opening weekend on July 25 and 26. See what’s happening this weekend and beyond, including free guided kayak tours, walking tours and art-making workshops.