February is Black History Month across Canada. 

Black History Month (BHM) is an important reminder to learn about and preserve black history because much of Black Canadian history has been ignored and erased. Black History Month is also a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities.

The Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) is responsible for initiating the celebration of Black History Month in Canada. 

Here is the mission of the Ontario Black History Society.

Their mission reinforces why Black History Month is significant and offers us goals for Black History:

"The Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) is a registered Canadian charity, dedicated to the study, preservation and promotion of Black History and heritage. The Society aims to encourage public interest in Black History through the:

Each year, the Government of Canada selects a theme for Black History Month:

"The 2025 theme for Black History Month is: “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.” This theme acknowledges the diversity of Black Canadians, the importance of Black leadership and the legacy being built for future generations. Black communities are diverse at many levels. Those with a long history in this country have established a legacy for the newer communities. The theme underscores that Black Canadians have a rightful place in the nation's narrative, with over 400 years of historical presence on these Indigenous lands, deserving acknowledgment and celebration."


Black History is Canadian History

K-3 Black History Month 2022 Slideshow

Educational Black History Month slide show. (Sign in to your OCDSB account to view).

Do you want to learn more about Black History Month and Black History?
Check out the Links to Learn More listed below, or click here for the list of learning resources.

How Black History Month Began in Canada

 In 1993, the Ontario Black History Society (or OBHS, established in 1978) successfully filed a petition in Ontario to proclaim February as Black History Month.

 Afterward, the president of OBHS, Rosemary Sadlier, introduced the idea of celebrating BHM across Canada to the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to parliament. BHM became officially recognized in Canada in 1995, 

Later, Senator Donald Oliver introduced the Motion to Recognize Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month.

About Black History Month, Canadian History, and Black Futures

CBC Kids News contributor Ainara Alleyne shares information about Black History Month's past, present, and future.

eBooks

Black History eBooks

Links to Learn More