Black History Month isn’t just a February thing—it’s a movement, a mindset, and a reminder that history is happening right now.
Back in 1926, Carter G. Woodson, the OG of Black history advocacy, started Negro History Week in the U.S. He wanted Black stories to be taught in schools and given the recognition they deserved. It caught on, and by 1976, the U.S. made it a full month. Canada followed in 1995, thanks to Jean Augustine, the first Black woman elected to Parliament.
But Black history isn’t just about the past—it’s about the impact Black communities have had (and continue to have) on music, activism, business, fashion, food, and pop culture. It’s in the clothes we wear, the slang we use, the artists we stream, and the movements we support. From the rise of hip-hop to the impact of Black entrepreneurs redefining industries, Black culture is culture.
So, what does that mean for students? It means taking time to recognize, celebrate, and engage with Black culture in ways that actually resonate. Whether that’s hitting up an event, supporting a Black-owned business, or diving into books and podcasts that school never assigned, this month is about making the connections that stick.
And yes, this is your sign to actually step outside your comfort zone and experience something new. Here’s how to do just that.
Where the Culture Comes to Life—Events You Can’t Miss
The Best Places to Experience Black History in Canada
Let’s be real—history class can sometimes feel like a blur of dates and textbook pages. But seeing Black history alive in music, film, art, and conversation is a whole different story. Whether you’re looking for an immersive experience or just want to vibe with something inspiring, here’s where to be.
Toronto & Montreal—Big City, Big Energy
📍 Kuumba Festival (Toronto) – This one is a whole mood. Think Afrobeat dance parties, spoken word battles, art exhibits, and deep conversations on Black identity—all in one festival.
📍 Toronto Black Film Festival – If you’re into movies that actually make you think, this festival is packed with indie films from Black filmmakers worldwide.
📍 Royal Ontario Museum’s (ROM) Black History Month Talks – Take a deep dive into Black Canadian history, global activism, and cultural legacies with expert-led panels.
📍 Montreal Black History Month Festival – The entire city gets involved, from film screenings to dance performances and pop-up art galleries.
📍 Cinémathèque Québécoise Screenings – Rare indie films you won’t find on Netflix, celebrating the depth of Black storytelling.
The West Coast—From Books to Beats
📍 Black Strathcona Walking Tour (Vancouver) – Walk through the city’s lost Black neighborhood, once home to thriving Black businesses, artists, and activists.
📍 UBC Black Culture Celebration – A mix of music, poetry, and thought-provoking discussions on the Black student experience in Canada.
📍 Vancouver Public Library Speaker Series – Activists, authors, and historians break down the Black experience in Canada, activism, and future change.
The Prairies—Culture Beyond the Cold
📍 Afrikadey! Festival (Calgary) – The name says it all: African and Caribbean music, dance, and storytelling.
📍 Edmonton’s Black History Month Gospel Night – A night of soulful gospel performances celebrating the power of Black music.
📍 Winnipeg’s Black History Month Panel – Leaders and changemakers discuss Black excellence in Canada.
📍 Saskatoon’s African Canadian Cultural Festival – Live music, spoken word, and storytelling to celebrate Black contributions to the arts.
Atlantic Canada—Small Town, Big Legacy
📍 Halifax’s Black Cultural Centre Events – If you want to understand Black Nova Scotia’s deep-rooted history, this is the place to be.
📍 New Brunswick African Association Panel – A space for students to hear about the experiences and challenges of Black communities in the Atlantic provinces.
📍 Charlottetown’s Spoken Word & Music Night – Local Black poets, musicians, and storytellers take the stage for an unforgettable night.
The Underground Railroad & Black History Landmarks to Visit
📍 Tower of Freedom Monument (Windsor, Ontario) – A powerful monument to the Underground Railroad, honouring those who escaped slavery and sought freedom in Canada.
📍 Africville Museum (Halifax, NS) – A tribute to the thriving Black community displaced in the 1960s.
📍 Buxton National Historic Site & Museum (Ontario) – A self-sufficient Black settlement founded by formerly enslaved people.
📍 Union United Church (Montreal, QC) – A major hub for civil rights activism, founded in 1907.
📍 Nathaniel Dett Memorial Chapel (Niagara, ON) – One of the oldest Black churches in Canada, serving as a refuge for freedom seekers.
Level Up Your Knowledge (For Free, Obviously)
Listen While You Multitask
🎧 “Black on the Prairies” (CBC) – What does it mean to be Black in Canada?
🎧 “The Secret Life of Canada” – The untold stories of Black Canadian history.
🎧 “Still Processing” – A deep dive into pop culture and identity from a Black lens.
Watch & Learn (Without Falling Asleep)
🎬 “The Skin We’re In” (YouTube) – A documentary on race in Canada.
🎬 “High on the Hog” (Netflix) – The Black roots of your favorite foods.
🎬 “13th” (Netflix) – A powerful look at systemic racism.
Books That’ll Actually Make You Think
📖 “Policing Black Lives” by Robyn Maynard
📖 “The Hate U Give” by Angie Thomas
📖 “They Said This Would Be Fun” by Eternity Martis
Beyond the Month—How to Keep the Movement Going
🔥 Find a Black history site near you. Visit it. Read about it. Share what you learn.
✅ Support Black-owned businesses
✅ Follow Black creators & activists
✅ Speak up when it counts
✅ Keep learning
Final Thoughts
Black History Month isn’t just about remembering the past—it’s about shaping the future. And as students, you have the power to influence what that future looks like.
So go out, learn something new, support the culture, and celebrate Black excellence—not just in February, but every single day.
Spend. Save. Repeat. ✌️