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 three 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, influence our present and inspire 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.
Submit Black History Month Event
To find community events, view the calendar below.
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.
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.
The Approach
One of the deliverables in the City’s Anti-Black Racism Action Plan is to work with Black communities on a month-long recognition of Black history. As February is National Black History Month, the City uses this time to place extra focus on the vibrant Black communities in Edmonton.
Black History Month focuses on community-led initiatives with various learning sessions, events and festivities that celebrate and promote Black communities and businesses in the city.
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.
Black History Month Community Events
| Event | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black History Month 2026 Official Opening Ceremony | January 30 | 1pm | Citadel Theatre |
| Caribbean Oil Workers Build Alberta's Economy, 1960s and Beyond | February 7 | 2pm | Royal Alberta Museum |
| Celebrating Black Voices in the Arts & Film | February 13 | 3-8pm | Jasper Place Edmonton Public Library |
| Historian Laureate's Gathering and Presentation of Jasper Place's Black Community Historic to current from Indigenous to Oklahoma to Eritrea to Caribbean. No registration required. | February 17 | 6-8:30pm | Jasper Place Edmonton Public Library |
| Tales and Taste Festival | February 21 | 12pm | Queen Elizabeth II Building |
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.