Each February, the City of Toronto is proud to produce and support events and exhibits during Black History Month, inviting the public to explore and celebrate the heritage, traditions and culture of Black Canadians.
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.
Browse upcoming events at numerous library branches in celebration of Black History Month. Some events require advanced registration.
Browse upcoming events at numerous museums in celebration of Black History Month. Some events require advanced registration.
February 15, 1 to 4 p.m.
Come for an afternoon of dance for families (children aged 6 and up) at Assembly Hall. Be inspired that youth from all communities and backgrounds can become successful professional dancers. Learn about famous Black dancers known for their talents in Ballet, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, Jazz and other genres. Register.
February 21, 6 to 9 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of live performance in celebration of Black music history at the City of Toronto Archives. This showcase features a hip-hop exhibition, performances and the esteemed presence of special guests. Register.
February 1 to 26
Experience the joy in The Flying Bushman’s (Boloebi Okah) paintings, where his Nigerian heritage comes alive, at Cedar Ridge Creative Centre.
February 3 to 28
Get a glimpse at the many music greats who have built the Toronto hip-hop scene at the City of Toronto Archives. Explore album covers, photographs, interviews from hip-hop’s early days, turntables and more.
Explore Caribbean Connection: One Man’s Crusade, an exhibit looking at Donald Moore, a community leader and civil rights activist who fought to change Canada’s exclusionary immigration laws.\
Explore unique items from the Museum shop that celebrate Black culture and significant Black figures in history.
See milestones in Canadian Black history.
Discover history through archival evidence of Toronto’s Black population in the City Archives.
See recommendations on how to research Black genealogy.
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.
Browse lists of fiction and non-fiction ebooks available through the Toronto Public Library on OverDrive:
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 users can follow the following City accounts for images and stories of significant Black figures to celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth: