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, including year-round. Some events require advanced registration.
Browse upcoming events in celebration of Black History Month, many which are free.
February 21 at 6 p.m., Fort York National Historic Site, 150 Fort York Blvd.
Join a thoughtfully curated dinner honouring the flavours of the African Diaspora. Purchase tickets.
February 20 at 7:30 p.m., 4190 Yonge St.
Celebrate the spirit of freedom through music. Purchase tickets.
February 20 at 6 p.m., 1385 Huntingwood Dr.
Connect, celebrate and look ahead together at an inspiring event highlighting community leadership, powerful stories and meaningful conversations. Reserve free tickets.
February 27 at 6:30 p.m., 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.
February 28, noon to 4 p.m., Masaryk Cowan Community Recreation Centre, 220 Cowan Ave.
Explore workshops, an art showcase, vibrant performances and a variety of food and shopping vendors.
January 31 to February 25
Experience the emotional arc of Segun Caezar’s evolution as an immigrant and artist. Learn 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.
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: