February is Black History Month, a time to reflect on, celebrate, and learn from the histories, contributions, resilience, and leadership of Black communities in Canada.
The official theme for Black History Month 2026 is:
“30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.”
This theme commemorates three decades of official recognition and highlights the significant contributions of Black Canadians to society.
To help you engage meaningfully this month, we’ve compiled a curated list of educational resources, Ontario-based events, and recommendations for books, films, and documentaries. Explore, attend, and share widely to celebrate and amplify Black voices.
Note: Please be advised that some content at the links below may be triggering for some users.
Educational Resources & History
- Black History Month (Government of Canada – 2026 Theme & Resources)
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month.html
- Black Canadians: Noteworthy Figures & Contributions
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month/black-canadians.html
- Historic Black Communities in Canada
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month/historic-black-communities.html
- Addressing Anti-Black Racism
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month/anti-black-racism.html
- Black History Month Digital Toolkit (posters, social media assets, virtual backgrounds)
https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month/toolkit.html
- #BlackedOutHistory – Ontario Black History Society (YouTube)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKm7wQjpuac
Here are some events scheduled for Black History Month in Ontario in 2016:
- NACCA – Black History Month 2026 Programming (York Region)
https://www.naccacommunity.ca/black-history-month-2026.html
- Black History Month Reception, Art Exhibition & Ujamaa Marketplace (Newmarket)
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/black-history-month-reception-art-exhibition-and-ujamaa-marketplace-tickets-1980442908050
- City of Barrie – Black History Month Events & Flag Raising
https://www.barrie.ca/government/news-notices/media-releases/celebrate-black-history-month-barrie-2026
- KulchaShock: Legacy in Motion – Black History Month Market (Barrie)
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/kulchashock-legacy-in-motion-black-history-month-market-barrie-tickets-1981277048988
- Canada Black Music Archives – Black History Month Showcase (Toronto)
https://thecbma.com/event-black-history-month-showcase-toronto-2026/
- Toronto Black History Month Events (City-Wide Listing)
https://www.familyfuncanada.com/toronto/black-history-month-events/
- Durham Black Educators’ Network – Black History Month Celebration (Ajax)
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2026-dben-black-history-month-celebration-tickets-1980315919223
- Town of Ajax – Black History Month Events
https://www.ajax.ca/en/2026-black-history-month-events.aspx
Black History Month Book Recommendations
Engaging with Black voices in both fiction and nonfiction enriches our understanding of history, identity, resilience, joy, and cultural contributions. Here is a curated list of suggested titles to explore during Black History Month and beyond:
Curated Reading Lists
- Canadian Books to Read for Black History Month (CBC Books)
https://www.cbc.ca/books/canadian-books-to-read-during-black-history-month-2026-and-beyond-9.7048160
- A Reading List for Black History Month (Community of Literary Magazines & Presses)
https://www.clmp.org/news/a-reading-list-for-black-history-month-2026/
- Black History Month 2026: Books by and about Black Canadians (University of Alberta Library)
https://news.library.ualberta.ca/blog/2026/02/02/black-history-month-2024-books-by-and-about-black-canadians/
Black History Month Movie & Documentary Recommendations
Viewing films and documentaries created by and about Black individuals and histories is a significant way to enhance understanding and encourage dialogue. Below are curated lists and notable titles for viewing during Black History Month and beyond:
- 28 Films for the 28 Days of Black History Month — Black Film Archive
28 films selected to honour the breadth of Black storytelling and cinematic expression.
https://blackfilmarchive.substack.com/p/28-films-for-the-28-days-of-black-706
- Netflix Black History Month Movies & Shows (2026)
A rotating list of films and series on Netflix that highlight Black voices, stories, and cultural contributions.
https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/black-history-movies-shows
- Recommended Films & Documentaries for Black History Month — PBS POV (2026)
Curated films, including features and shorts that explore community, culture, creativity, and resistance.
https://www.pbs.org/pov/filmslist/black-history-month-2026/
Many of these films and documentaries are available on popular streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, PBS, Prime Video, and HBO Max. Additionally, you can find some of them in library collections or through local public library platforms and educational streaming services.



