February is National Black History Month, where we recognize the legacy and impact of African, Caribbean and Black Canadians and their communities.
This year marks the 100-year anniversary of Black History Month celebrations and 3 decades of Black History Month in Canada.
The City of Edmonton’s theme for 2026 is “Hidden Histories and Bold Futures." The National theme is “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations - From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.”
These themes celebrate and recognize the enduring legacy of Black Canadians and Edmontonians whose leadership, creativity, innovation and resilience have shaped our past, influenced our present and inspired future generations.
Black History Month 2026 Call for Events
Do you have an event or initiative happening in February 2026 for Black History Month? Have it added to our Black History Month Events Calendar.
Black History Month Community Events
The City of Edmonton is proud to support various community-led events throughout February and wishes everyone a reflective, informative and celebratory Black History Month.
Black History Month Initiative Fund
In 2024, the City partnered with the Edmonton Community Foundation and Edmonton Heritage Council to create the Black History Month Initiative Fund, which is managed by the Africa Centre.
This fund supports Black-owned community organizations hosting Black History Month events and activities throughout February.
In 2025, funds were distributed to 30 projects aimed at celebrating Black communities, driving positive cross-cultural interaction, cross-cultural dialogue and cross-cultural engagement. These initiatives generated positive community and economic impact for the city.
- Family Advancement Association
- Mesh of Mothers Foundation
- Hands Lifting Hearts Initiative Society
- Black Canadian Women in Action
- Colour Me Comedy Festival
- The Resilient Immigrant Foundation
- Gambian Community Association
- Cameroonian Association of Edmonton
- Foundation for Oromian Culture, Education and Arts Services
- Aspire Youth Canada Foundation (Aspire Youth Canada)
- Congress of Black Women of Canada Edmonton Chapter
- KAYANOU
- Liberia Friendship Society of Canada
- Masterstroke Atelier
- Feed the Soul YEG
- Izwi lethu Arts Society
- Solara Vision House
- GED - Generation Empowerment Network
- Performing Beyond Dreams Foundation
- Living Hope Community Services Canada
- Future Leaders Institute
- John Humphrey Center
- The Myrrha Room
The Approach
The City of Edmonton is dedicated to honouring its diverse communities, especially during Black History Month. This commitment is demonstrated through the City's comprehensive Anti-racism Strategy, which aims to foster community unity, advance equity, eliminate poverty and racism, and make significant strides toward Truth and Reconciliation.
A key extension of this commitment, and in line with the UN International Decade for People of African Descent, is the Anti-Black Racism Action Plan. This Plan was co-created by City Administration and Edmonton's Black communities to support the unique needs and lived experiences of Black residents - a commitment that highlights the spirit of Black History Month. What sets this plan apart is that its guidance and priorities are entirely driven by the specific needs of Edmonton's Black communities, with the municipal government providing essential support and facilitation.
Black History Month calls our attention to the important contributions of Black communities in building a vibrant and diverse city, while also recognizing the ongoing work needed to combat racism, discrimination and inequities which cause harm to local Black communities.
Supporting events and activities that promote Edmonton’s diverse Black communities and their cultures and histories is just one of the many ways the City is raising awareness of the vital historical and ongoing contributions of Black communities to the city.
To learn more about the Black experience in Canada, the City has sponsored a free course offered through the University of Alberta titled, “Black Canadians: History, Presence and Anti-racist Futures.” The 4 module course features academics, artists and activists, who together, provide insight into the history and migration of Black people to Canada and who are contributing to the presence and survival of Black people in Canada.
Black History month is a great time to begin this journey in deepening our understanding and learning ways in which we can be allies.
We encourage all Edmontonians to take part in Black History Month, while reflecting on the role each one of us can play in helping make Edmonton a welcoming and inclusive home for all.