February 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of Black History Month’s official recognition in Canada. This year’s theme, 'Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations,' isn't just about looking back—it's about the 'Nation Builders' of the past and the 'Tomorrow's Visionaries' currently sitting in our classrooms.

The library is more than just a place for research; it’s a space to amplify voices that have been historically sidelined. This month, we’re highlighting stories of Black resistance, joy, and innovation. Whether you’re looking for searing social commentary, award-winning poetry, or sci-fi that reimagines the future, our 'Black Brilliance' collection is ready for you to explore."

Essential Contemporary Fiction & Memoirs

• Brother by David Chariandy: A stunning, short novel set in 1990s Scarborough that explores brotherhood, grief, and the dreams of sons of immigrants.

• The Skin We’re In by Desmond Cole: A vital work of non-fiction that chronicles a year of Black resistance and policing in Canada.

• Frying Plantain by Zalika Reid-Benta: A series of interconnected stories about growing up "between" cultures in Toronto’s Little Jamaica.

• Washington Black by Esi Edugyan: A Giller Prize-winning epic that follows a young boy’s journey from a Barbados plantation to the Canadian Arctic.

Poetry & Graphic Novels (Short & Impactful)

• Voodoo Hypothesis by Canisia Lubrin: For students who love complex, lyrical poetry that tackles science, history, and folklore.

• In-Between Days by Teva Harrison: A powerful graphic memoir (relevant for senior students interested in art and personal narrative).

Digital Media & Research

• Black Life: Untold Stories: A CBC Gem docuseries for an uncompromising look at the Black experience in Canada.

• The Hill Times: Black History Month News: Read current Op-Eds and news regarding policy and Black leadership in Ottawa.