Black History Month

Every February, Canadians are invited to participate in Black History Month festivities and events that honour the legacy of Black Canadians, past and present.

For 2018, the theme of the Government of Canada’s Black History Month campaign is Black Canadian Women: Stories of Strength, Courage and Vision.

Black History Month poster

Download the Black History Month poster.

Rollcall – A poem by George Elliot Clarke

Created in 2017, by the acclaimed Canadian poet, playwright, George Elliott Clarke, Order of Canada, Order of Nova Scotia, the spirit and intent of Rollcall remains relevant today. As part of the Government of Canada Black History Month 2018 campaign we invite you to explore Rollcall to learn more about Black Canadian Women: Stories of Strength, Courage and Vision.

Topics

About Black History Month

Learn how Black History Month came to be recognized in Canada.

Noteworthy historical figures

Read the biographies of some notable people who have shaped Black Canadian history.

Organizations and educational resources

Explore the organizations and resources that promote awareness of Black history in Canada.

Legacies and institutions

Learn about organizations that Canadians of African and Caribbean descent created to advance equality and human rights.

Historic Black Canadian communities

Learn more about the Black experience in Canada through the events and contributions made by people of African and Caribbean descent to the settlement, growth and development of Canada.

Watch videos about Black history

Proud of our History (Transcript)

Wade in the Water (Transcript)

Harriet Tubman: Humanitarian. Leader. Hero. (Transcript)

Construction Battalion (Transcript)

Elijah "The Real" McCoy (Transcript)

Victoria Rifles (Transcript)

The Contribution of Black Soldiers in the Fight for Canada (Transcript)

William Hall (Transcript)