TORONTO, February 2, 2026 — Yesterday, Mayor Olivia Chow proclaimed February as Black History Month, launching the City’s annual celebration of Black Canadians’ heritage, traditions, and culture. The proclamation is available on the City’s webpage.
Throughout February, Torontonians are invited to honour the histories, cultures, achievements and contributions of people of African descent in celebration of Black History Month. Starting from Sunday, February 1, the City of Toronto and partners are hosting opportunities for residents to connect with the Black community and participate in candid discussions highlighting Black leaders and changemakers, Black-led initiatives and more.
“February marks Black History Month and the city is animated by remarkable events that celebrate the rich contributions of Black communities to Toronto. I encourage Torontonians to explore the events offered through City venues and other partners – many of which are free – that showcase the best of Black heritage, traditions and culture,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “As a City, we continue to advance our work for a more equitable future by reaffirming our commitment to dismantling anti-Black racism, discrimination, and oppression in all its forms,” added
Themed “Roots, Resilience, and Renewal”, Black History Month 2026 reflects a collective dedication to celebrating Black heritage, recognizing the strength and brilliance of Black communities, and renewing the commitment to equity and inclusion.
- Roots honours members of Black communities whose cultural, civic, and economic contributions have shaped the city for generations.
- Resilience acknowledges the ongoing leadership, innovation, and perseverance of Black communities despite systemic barriers.
- Renewal reflects a shared commitment to sustained anti-racism, inclusive growth, and forward-looking action.
Toronto was the first Canadian municipality to proclaim Black History Month 47 years ago, which has since become a national event to address enduring gaps in history, the humanities and science. In addition, the City of Toronto was the first municipality in Canada to adopt an Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism creating a blueprint for many plans and initiatives.
“Black History Month also calls attention to the advocacy that has shaped the country that we know today. Black people have been at the forefront of significant human rights milestones in Canada’s history,” said Charlotte-Anne Malischewski, serving as Chief Commissioner of the Canadian Human Rights Commission. “From Harriet Tubman leading enslaved people to freedom in 1850 to St. Catharines, Ontario, to Viola Desmond taking a civil rights stand against a segregated movie theatre in 1946, to Jean Augustine’s role in Parliament’s recognition of Black History Month in 1995, and to the activism that continues to echo the Black Lives Matter movement of the 2010s,” said Malischewski.
Featured Toronto Black History Month events include:
Before the 6ix: Sound System Foundations
Date: Monday, February 2, 7 to 8 p.m.
Location: Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St.
Join Before the 6ix hosts Del Cowie and DJ Agile, as they go on a musical journey with DJs and MCs from Toronto’s sound systems that played the first hip-hop records at blockos, high schools and roller-skating rinks. Featuring special guest panelists Toney D from Sunshine Sound Crew, Lady P of Kilowatt and DJ ONeil of Chic Dynasty.
More information about Before the 6ix: Sound System Foundations is available on the Toronto Public Library website .
Canada Black Music Archives Black History Month Showcase
Date: Thursday, February 5, 6 to10 p.m.
Location: City of Toronto Archives, 255 Spadina Rd.
An evening celebrating R&B music featuring performances by Jully Black, Tanika Charles, Dru (formerly of In Essence), Liberty Silver, and DJ Carl Allen.
More information is available on the Archives Exhibits and Events webpage.
Black Leadership Breakfast
Date: Friday, February 6, 8:30 a.m. to noon
Location: Four Points by Sheraton Toronto Airport, 6257 Airport Road, Mississauga
The Federation of Black Canadians (FBC) is proud to lead this signature Black History Month kickoff event – continuing the tradition of celebrating Black leadership, amplifying local changemakers and bringing the community together to shape a better future. The morning will feature thought-provoking conversations, a leadership panel, community recognition and a bold dialogue on how Black-led initiatives across Canada are driving change in education, the economy, public policy and more.
More information about the Black Leadership Breakfast is available on the FBC website .
Malcolm X Remembered: Andrews and Whitaker
Date: Friday, February 6, noon to 1 p.m.
Location: Online
Toronto Public Library presents acclaimed journalist and historian Mark Whitaker and celebrated scholar Kehinde Andrews in a conversation that examines the legacy of Malcolm X and the ongoing struggle for Black liberation. In conversation with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Tamara Payne (The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X).
More information about Malcolm X Remembered is available on the Toronto Public Library website .
February Weekends at Scarborough Museum
Dates: February 7 to 28 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Scarborough Museum, 1007 Brimley Rd.
On weekends in February, join Scarborough Museum in celebrating Black History Month. Enjoy the museum’s story corner, featuring books for all ages that share Black lived experiences and stories. Sample a warm drink and a scone fresh from the museum’s kitchen, featuring spreads from local Chef Christopher Loney, also known as Honey Guru.
More information about February Weekends is available on the City’s Exhibits and Events webpage.
Thyrone Tommy’s Learn to Swim at TIFF Lightbox
Date: Tuesday, February 10 at6:30 p.m.
Location: TIFF Lightbox, 350 King St W.
Introduction by TIFF lead programmer for Canada, Jason Anderson, who will be joined by filmmaker Thyrone Tommy for a Q&A following the screening.
More information on Thryone Tommy’s Learn to Swim is available on the TIFF website .
Family Day Storytelling at Montgomery’s Inn
Date: February 16, noon to12:45 p.m. and 2 to. 2:45 p.m.
Location: Montgomery’s Inn, 4709 Dundas St W.
Gather together with family and friends for storytelling with Kesha Christie from Talkin’ Tales. Kesha presents Anansi stories and African and Caribbean folktales about family, community and traditions. Visit the Museum, and relax in the book nook, and take a free book provided by the Children’s Book fund.
More information about Family Day Storytelling is available on the City’s Exhibits & Events webpage.
Gathering at the Table: A Chef-in-Residence Celebration
Date: February 21, 6 to 9 p.m.
Location: Fort York National Historic Site, Blue Barracks Hall, 190 Fort York Blvd.
Gather at the table for an unforgettable dinner at Fort York National Historic Site celebrating the culinary journey of Toronto History Museums’ Chef-in-Residence Jean Regis Raynaud. Experience a thoughtfully curated menu that honours the flavours of the African Diaspora through collaboration with fellow Chefs Marc Kusitor of ChopTime Catering and Victor Ugwueke of the Afrobeat Kitchen.
More information about Gathering at the Table is available on the City’s Exhibits & Events webpage.
University of Toronto’s Black History Month Luncheon
Date: February 26, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Hart House, 7 Hart House Cir.
Join the 24th University of Toronto’s Annual Black History Month Luncheon, organized and sponsored by the Division of University Advancement and supported by Hart House. The luncheon is a staple celebration and recognition event within the university community that has grown in stature, scope and reach over its many years. This year’s event recognizes Wes Hall, University of Toronto Chancellor and CBC Dragon from the hit show Dragon’s Den.
More information on the Black History Month Luncheon is available on the University of Toronto’s website .
Black History in Verse
Date: February 27, 6:30 to 9 p.m.
Location: Toronto Archives, 255 Spadina Rd.
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.
More information about Black History in Verse is available on the City’s Exhibits & Events webpage.
A comprehensive list of in-person and online events and activities can be found on the City’s Black History Month webpage.
SOURCE City of Toronto
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