During Black History Month, people in Canada celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada a culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous country.
Black Canadians and their communities have been a part of shaping Canada’s heritage and identity since the arrival of Mathieu Da Costa, a navigator, and interpreter, whose presence in Canada dates back to the early 1600s.
The role of Black people and their communities in Canada has largely been ignored as a key part of Canada’s history. There is little mention that some of the Loyalists who came here after the American Revolution and settled in the Maritimes were people of African descent, nor the fact that many soldiers of African descent made many sacrifices in wartime as far back as the War of 1812.
Few people in Canada are aware of the fact that African people were once enslaved in the territory that is now known as Canada, or of how those who fought enslavement helped to lay the foundation of Canada’s diverse and inclusive society.
Black History Month is a time to learn more about these Canadian stories and the many other important contributions that Black Canadians and their communities have made to the history and continued growth of this country.
Here in Calgary, there are a number of events and celebrations throughout the month of February, If you have an event that you would like listed here, please contact us at d.hohol@centrefornewcomers.ca
The Anti-Black Racism Task Force is hosting a virtual panel discussion on the physical, spiritual, and sexual health of Black people. This panel aims to address the unique challenges and barriers that Black individuals face when it comes to their overall well-being, including issues related to discrimination and systemic racism within healthcare systems. The panel will feature a diverse group of experts, including medical professionals and community activists, who will share their insights and experiences on how to promote better health outcomes for Black individuals. The goal of the panel is to raise awareness and foster a deeper understanding of the specific needs of Black people when it comes to their physical, spiritual and sexual health, and to provide tangible strategies for how to support and advocate for their well-being.
February 02, 2023
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Bring Friends; Dance The Night Away! The official Kickstarter to celebrate Black History (Excellence) Month!! Afro-Canadians share their vibrant cultural music and dance. Join us as we bring you high energy experience!! Grab your early bird passes now!
Friday, February 3rd
8:00 pm - 2:00 am
Music by DJ Rozay & DJ Eske: Habesha Tunes, Afrobeats, Hip-Hop
18+ Valid ID Required | Dress Code: AllBlack
The goal of the panel is to provide a platform for discussing solutions and strategies for promoting social justice and equity. We will focus on the ongoing struggles for racial justice and equity in various spheres such as legal, education, and employment. The discussion will centre on the effects of anti-Black racism, discrimination, and various forms of oppression on Black communities. Our diverse group of experts, including lawyers, educators, and activists, will share their perspectives on how to promote social justice and equity for Black individuals and communities. The panel will also explore ways in which individuals and organizations can take action to support the Black communities and work towards systemic change. Presented by: The Anti-Black Racism Task Force and the University of Calgary’s Black Law Students’ Association
February 09, 2023
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
The Calgary Black Chambers and Heritage Park are partnering to host a fundraising event in support of the Calgary Black Chambers Scholarship Fund. The fund elevates Black students through scholarships, recognition and financial support.
It will be a wonderful evening featuring a gourmet three-course dinner, music and chances to win fantastic prizes. Cheryl Foggo, a multiple award-winning playwright, author, filmmaker and historian, will share captivating stories as the keynote speaker.
In its first year being held at Heritage Park, The Annual Black History Month Dinner is a truly amazing opportunity, whether it be as a company outing or a night out with family and friends, to celebrate and recognize Black History Month while supporting local Black youth scholarships.
Friday, Feb. 10, 2023
Gasoline Alley Museum at Heritage Park
Reception: 5:30 pm - Dinner: 7 pm
An exciting opportunity for youth & families to learn & create together with award-winning artist & Dragon's Den Slayer, Bubba B the MC. Using his book/CD as a starting place to centre themes of reading, literacy, and Black History month Bubba B demonstrates his technique for bringing different ideas together to create a whole new hip-hop song.
Bubba B.'s Dragon's Den Pitch / In partnership with Arts Commons
Sun Feb 12 2023
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
A conversation with our inspiring speakers about their lived experiences on how they overcame barriers as Black immigrants in Canada. Presented by the Black Empowerment and Excellence at SAIT (BEES) Committee in honour of Black History Month, join us for an enriching panel discussion featuring Dr. Caesar Apentiik, Developmental Studies Professor, University of Calgary, Chi Iliya-Ndule, Co-Founder and President, Calgary Black Chambers, and Shauna Porter, Anti-Racism Committee Chair, Calgary Police Service.
Our distinguished speakers will share their lived experiences as Black immigrants in Canada through stories of overcoming barriers and achieving success.
The panel discussion will include a question period with the audience — bring your questions.
We look forward to seeing you in Macdonald Hall (located in Heritage Hall on SAIT’s main campus) on Thursday,
February 16
11:30 am – 12:30 pm.
Realize Your Potential Youth Society (RYP) is pleased to announce this year’s Black Heritage Family Day event. We invite you to join us for a celebration of the Black Diaspora.
Join us as we recount stories, enjoy unique talents, explore our remarkable history, and enjoy fantastic food.
At The Black Heritage Family Day Celebrations on Saturday, February, 18th we honour these individuals who work assiduously to bring people and communities together for harmony and to achieve a common purpose. The impact of their work is uplifting and far-reaching.
February 18th
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Join us for a special performance by this New York based jazz-ensemble of original compositions and arrangements of Black American Music. The group features Caili O'Doherty on piano, Adi Meyerson on bass, Cory Cox on drums, Roxy Coss on saxophone, and Tahira Clayton on voice
Central Library - Level 1 - 1-03 Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall
Monday, Feb. 20
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Alberta's Premier Black History Month Celebration.
The Annual Ethnik Festival of Arts and Culture is the premier, all-inclusive flagship festival of Ethnik Festivals Association. It is part of the celebration of Black History (Excellence) in the Month of February each year. Members of the Afro-Canadian/ Caribbean communities come together to celebrate diversity, and inclusivity and share their vibrant cultural traditions with other communities from across Canada. Our goal is to promote leadership and inform and inspire younger generations to express genuine versions of themselves through the lens of Afro-Canadian and many other world art traditions. The 2023 edition will be a display of creative genius from artists in Calgary, other parts of Canada, and around the world to the viewing pleasure of audiences online across the globe. More so, festival participants get to win lots of consolation prizes during the festival quiz competition.
Sat Feb 24, 25
2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
In recognition of Black History Month, Calgary Public Library's Black History Month Historian, Bashir Mohamed, will share his research behind prominent Alberta civil rights activist, Ted King. Join in on a conversation between Bashir and Ted's niece, Patricia Irvine, discussing Ted and his legacy. Ted King was the president of the Alberta Association for the Advancement of Coloured People from 1958 to 1961, where he advocated for the rights of Black Canadians. In 1959, King launched a legal challenge against a Calgary motel’s discriminatory policy, years before human rights protections existed throughout Canada.
Sunday, Feb. 26
7:00 pm - 8:30 p.m.
First of its kind flash mob dance challenge at SAIT, About this Event: Join the Afro-Caribbean Student Club for an exciting fun packed activity featuring dance challenge, music, games, and popcorn.
Date and time
February 27
1:00 AM – 11:30 AM
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