Black History Month 2026: Honouring 30 Years of Black Brilliance Across Generations
In 2026, we proudly celebrate three decades of Black History Month in Canada. This year’s theme honours the remarkable legacy, leadership, creativity, innovation, and resilience of Black Canadians, who continue to influence our present and uplift the emerging visionaries who will define the future.
For the occasion, and as Canada’s memory institution, Library and Archives Canada (LAC) has identified stories and items you can consult and use as inspiration to explore our diverse collections.
Highlighted stories and items
- Voices Revealed podcast: “Porter Talk”
Discover the powerful stories captured in the Voices Revealed podcast series. Its first season, “Porter Talk,” explores the lived experiences of Black men who laboured as sleeping car porters for both the Canadian National and Canadian Pacific Railways during the twentieth century. Listen to historic interviews led by Stanley G. Grizzle—a former porter, labour activist, public servant, and citizenship judge whose lifelong advocacy transformed the landscape for Black communities in Canada. All episodes are now available. - The Extraordinary Life of John Freemont Smith — A Black History Month Co Lab Challenge
Follow the incredible journey of John Freemont Smith, a pioneering businessperson, public official, and community leader in early British Columbia. Explore archival records and participate in the Co Lab challenge to help make history more accessible. - What’s in a Name: The Carnegies in Context
Learn about the Carnegie family’s multigenerational legacy. From Herb Carnegie, arguably the best Black hockey player to never play in the NHL, to his sister, Bernice Isobel Carnegie Redmon, the first Black woman appointed to the Victorian Order of Nurses in Canada, and his daughter, Bernice Yvonne Carnegie, continuing her father’s work. - Fergie Jenkins’s Long and Grinding Road to Cooperstown
Learn the inspiring story of Canadian baseball legend Fergie Jenkins and his historic path to the Baseball Hall of Fame. - Althea Thauberger fonds
View four portraits of the Honourable Jean Augustine, who in 1993 was the first Black woman elected to Parliament. In 1995, Dr. Augustine played an essential role in the House of Commons recognizing February as Black History Month in Canada. - Jules Elder Fonds
Explore a fonds of photos featuring Black activist and lawyer Charles Roach, the iconic and award-winning Black Canadian singer Liberty Silver, and more.
Research and learning resources
LAC offers a wealth of resources to support your research and help tell your story. Use our online tools to delve into the family history and genealogy of Black Canadians, or reach out to our reference or genealogy experts for personalized assistance.
Learn more
Visit the February is Black History Month web page to discover additional resources and learn more about Canada’s Black communities and their significant contributions to shaping our country’s history.