February is Black History Month 2024

February marks Black History Month in Canada. Each February, Canadians are encouraged to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada a culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous nation.

Join the City of Quinte West as we celebrate Black History Month by showcasing local, provincial and national resources, activities, and opportunities.

What is Black History Month?

In 1978, the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) was established. Its founders, including Dr. Daniel G. Hill and Wilson O. Brooks, petitioned the City of Toronto to have February formally proclaimed as Black History Month. In 1979, the first-ever Canadian proclamation was issued by Toronto.

The first Black History Month in Nova Scotia was observed in 1988 and later renamed African Heritage Month in 1996.

In 1993, the OBHS successfully petitioned Ontario to proclaim February as Black History Month. Following that success, Rosemary Sadlier, president of the OBHS, introduced the idea of having Black History Month recognized across Canada to the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament.

In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada following a motion introduced by Dr. Augustine. The House of Commons carried the motion unanimously.

In February 2008, Senator Donald Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Senate, introduced the Motion to Recognize Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month. It received unanimous approval and was adopted on March 4, 2008. The adoption of this motion completed Canada's parliamentary position on Black History Month.

To learn more about Black History Month in Canada, watch the video Black History Month: Exploring the Past and Future of February's annual celebration | CBC Kids News.

Black History Month Digital Toolkit

The Government of Canada has created a detailed digital toolkit to celebrate this year's theme for Black History Month, "African Americans and the Arts."

Find promotional materials, colouring sheets, videos, and links to vital information to help you celebrate Black History Month in the toolkit here.

Ontario's Black Heritage

Learn about Black history in Ontario through a collection of museum sites, web resources, publications, and more with Ontario Heritage Trust.

The Ontario Black History Society

CUPE honours Black History Month

CUPE celebrates Black History Month, highlighting the best of Black History and culture while honouring the ancestors and leaders of Black communities, their accomplishments, and their continued fight for liberation. This year, CUPE honours Nell Toussant, a human rights defender who led a long struggle for access to health care for everyone, regardless of their immigration status. Take a Black History Quiz, browse the National Film Board of Canada's list of films on Black history in Canada, and read the CUPE Anti-Racism Strategy.

Resource: Celebrating Black History Month Through Story (Webinar)

The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion is hosting a "Celebrating Black History Month through story" webinar on February 1, 2024. Join the CCDI as they share stories from multiple lenses, highlighting different voices and experiences from within and across Canadian Black communities.

*This is an introductory-level webinar for those wishing to learn more about Black history in Canada.

Celebrating Black History Month in Quinte West

Black History/African Heritage Month recognized in Quinte West

On Wednesday, January 25, 2024, Quinte West City Council proclaimed "Black History / African Heritage Month" in the City of Quinte West. During the month of February, the Quinte West sign and the Veterans Skyway Bridge will be illuminated in the colour green to recognize the proclamation. View the Council meeting where the proclamation was approved here.

Black History Month reading list

Prepare your February reading list with the help of the Quinte West, Brighton, and Belleville public libraries.

Libraries throughout Quinte Region are showcasing Black History Month displays, reading lists and online content featuring Black authors, content creators and subject matter experts.

Visit your local library to learn more.

Read the Hastings Prince Edward Public Health Unit statement on the importance of recognizing Black History Month and working together to address racism while building the foundation of a supportive and inclusive community.

Quinte Local Immigration Partnership

The Quinte Local Immigration Partnership (QLIP) is one of 60 LIPs across Ontario designed to provide a collaborative framework to facilitate the development and implementation of sustainable solutions for the successful integration of newcomers to Ontario that are local and regional in scope. The QLIP hosts an Anti-Racism Committee, which provides information on initiatives that work on racism issues in our community.