Black History Month 2026
February is Black History Month, a time for people across Canada to learn about and celebrate the diversity, achievements, and lasting contributions of Black communities. It is also an opportunity to reflect on Canada’s history, recognize ongoing systemic barriers, and reaffirm our shared commitment to advancing equity and addressing anti-Black racism.
This year marks three decades of Black History Month in Canada. The 2026 theme, “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries,” recognizes the leadership, creativity, innovation, and resilience of Black Canadians. Their excellence has shaped our past, continues to influence our present, and will inspire future generations.
As we commemorate this milestone, we invite the RRC Polytech community to celebrate Black communities as an integral part of RRC Polytech’s diverse and vibrant campus, and to honour the meaningful contributions Black Canadians continue to make in shaping society.
Learn, Get Involved, and Stay Engaged
Here are some ways to learn, celebrate and participate in Black History Month 2026:
Events at RRC Polytech and in the Community
Afro-Caribbean Dance Workshop | Hosted by: RRC Polytech Campus Well-Being- P107, EDC | Tuesday, February 3 |12:00 to 1:00 P.M.
- Prairie Lights, NDC | Wednesday, February 4 | 12:00 to 1:00 P.M.
Celebrate Black History Month through movement! Join Dr. Leisha Strachan for an energizing Afro-Caribbean dance session that brings history, culture, and rhythm to life. This fast-paced class will explore the roots of Caribbean dance, guide participants through dynamic movement across the floor, and finish with a joyful soca-inspired combination, just in time for Carnival at the end of the month.
Open to students and staff of all experience levels. Come ready to dance, connect, and appreciate the powerful movement and music of Afro-Caribbean culture.
Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) – Black History Month: Exploring Black Leadership – Panel
Online | Thursday, February 5 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
This 60-minute webinar will feature a panel discussion.
What does Black leadership look like today, and how is it shaping the future of equity and belonging? This dynamic panel discussion will explore the evolving landscape of Black leadership across Canada through the lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. It will spotlight the innovation and collective impact of Black leaders across sectors. Designed to be responsive to current contexts, the session will create space for authentic voices and timely insights that inspire continued learning and change.
Register to CCDI’s Black History Month: Exploring Black leadership – Panel here
Black Business Market | Hosted by: RRC Polytech Anti-Racism Action Committee
The Library Hallway, NDC | Friday, February 13 | 10:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.
Celebrate Black History Month by supporting Black-owned businesses! Explore unique products and talents from local entrepreneurs in a vibrant, community-focused market.
film screening: BLACK SOUL (9 mins) & black mother black daughter (28 mins)- WHITE THEATRE (GM-42), NDC | WEDNESDAY, February 11 |12:00 to 1:00 P.M.
- P107, EDC | MONday, February 23 | 12:00 to 1:00 P.M.
About the Films
Black Soul – NFB (9 mins) – Martine Chartrand’s animated short dives into the heart of Black culture with an exhilarating trip though history. Watch as a young boy traces his roots through the stories his grandmother shares with him about the events that shaped their cultural heritage.
Black Mother Black Daughter – NFB (28 mins) – This film explores the lives and experiences of black women in Nova Scotia, their contributions to the home, the church and the community and the strengths they pass on to their daughters.
Black Narratives Leading Our Communities: Action, Vision & Change | Hosted by: Afro-Caribbean Mentorship Program (ACMP), RRC Polytech and University of Winnipeg
University of Winnipeg – 515 Portage Avenue | Friday, February 27 | 5:00 – 9:00 P.M.
Keynote: His Excellency, The Honorable Gline Clarke, High Commissioner to Canada from Barbados
This event will celebrate the Black African Diaspora community in Canada and pay homage to the great accomplishments of the Black African Diaspora people throughout history, leading to the present. The event will involve panel discussions, Black business showcases, Bursaries for Black African Diaspora students (secondary and post-secondary Winnipeg students), recognition for trailblazers in the Black African Diaspora Winnipeg community and much more.
Black History Month Gala Night- From Recognition to Results | Hosted by: Black Manitobans Chamber of Commerce (BMCC)
319 Elgin Ave | Friday, February 27 | 6:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Join BMCC and the Manitoba Museum this Black History Month for an evening of reflection, recognition, and action, featuring Nadine Williams, a Jamaican-Canadian multi-award-winning poet, author, artist, and cultural advocate. This event is a call to move beyond acknowledgment and toward lasting impact, recognizing the contributions of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color veterans while shaping a more just future.
More Events
For additional Black History Month-related events, visit the Black History Manitoba events page.
Additional Resources
- Anti-Racism Learning Toolkit – A curated collection of books, videos, articles, and podcasts from RRC Polytech’s Library and Academic Services to support learning, reflection, and action on racism.
- Anti-Racism: A Journey to Allyship – A mandatory training for all RRC Polytech staff offered through LEARN. The course explores unconscious bias, microaggressions, systemic racism, and privilege, and supports self-reflection to help identify and address racist behaviours and attitudes. It also provides practical tools to respond to racism and foster safer, more inclusive spaces. Staff are encouraged to revisit the training regularly to support ongoing learning and growth.
- Anti-Racism Action Committee – Welcomes new members who are passionate about advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, and making a meaningful impact. Learn more and get involved by visiting the Anti-Racism Action Committee page on Staff Forum.
- About Black History Month – Government of Canada overview of the history and significance of Black History Month in Canada
- Significant events in Black history in Canada – A resource highlighting key milestones in Black Canadian history.
- Organizations and educational resources on the history of Black communities in Canada – A collection of organizations and learning resources focused on Black history in Canada.
- Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI) Resources: