Black History Month starts Feb. 1, a time used to honour the contributions, heritage and legacy of Black people in Canada.

This year marks the 30th anniversary since the first time Black History Month was celebrated federally in 1996.

Here are some events happening in Hamilton to celebrate and commemorate the occasion.

Hamilton’s Black History Month launch

The Hamilton Black History Council is organizing a launch event on Friday, where they plan to unveil two new Black History Month honourees “who have contributed immensely to the health and wellbeing of our community,” according to a social media post from the council.

The event will also see the launch of a Black Health Community Advisory Table, “which will highlight the transformational work underway to help shape better health outcomes for Black communities,” according to the city.

A bus wrap by local artist stylo starr — honouring local Black artist Queen Cee — will also be unveiled at the event, and local vendors will be present.

The event runs from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hamilton Public Library’s central branch.

Brant County marking Black History Month for first time 

On Feb. 1, the Brant County is hosting its “very first official recognition of Black History Month” with a flag-raising ceremony and a celebration.

“This landmark celebration signifies a vital step in our collective journey toward building a more inclusive and equitable Ontario from the ground up,” said the Equity and Advocacy Social Justice Foundation.

The event starts at 10:30 a.m. at the Brant County Council Chambers on 7 Broadway St. W. in Paris, Ont., and will include live music and performances, speakers, and more. 

Hamilton Public Library

The Hamilton Public Library is hosting several events throughout the month, including an Author Talk with Antonio Michael Downing, who will be speaking at the central branch on Feb. 19 about his novel, Black Cherokee.

The Jamaica Foundation Hamilton is hosting a workshop and matinee on Feb. 21 at the Valley Park Branch. The workshop will focus on Kente design at 10 a.m. and Garvey’s Ghost, a Caribbean-Canadian comedy series, starts at 12 p.m.

Also at the central branch, Michelle Bonsu, Ghanaian cultural worker, is leading a workshop on Feb. 28 about the African knowledge system “and how African wisdom can be applied to everyday life,” according to the library’s website. 

The library has also curated a list of books and movies for people to check out during Black History Month. 

Check the library’s website for a full list of events and programming.

McMaster University

McMaster University is also hosting events in February.

Starting Feb. 3, the university is having an opening celebration that will include remarks from school officials, and will continue on Feb. 4 with a market in collaboration with Blk Owned Hamilton.

McMaster is also planning an anniversary celebration at the LR Wilson Concert Centre to mark 30 years of Black History Month in Canada.

The event takes place Feb. 25 and will feature a screening of Steadfast: Messenger and the Message, a documentary about Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman to be elected to Parliament. Augustine put forward the motion in Parliament to recognize February as Black History Month in Canada. She will join Chancellor Nicholas Brathwaite for a discussion and questions.

Other events at the university include a basketball game on Feb. 4, an art exhibition starting Feb. 10, a Black alumni networking event on Feb. 23 and more.

The John C. Holland Awards

On Feb. 15, the Reverend John C. Holland Awards Gala is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The 2026 theme for the event is Sankofa Pearls.

“Sankofa is an Akan concept from Ghana that means to ‘go back and get it,’ embodying the wisdom of learning from the past to build a better future,” read the event’s website.

“Just as pearls are unique in character and formed over time, the achievements of our community members reflect this same beauty and strength.”

The awards celebrate achievements and contributions to Hamilton by Black youth.

A record 38 awards and scholarships were handed out in 2025. 

Other events: 

Brantford 

• Black History Month: A Community Celebration of Black Wellness & Culture, Brantford Public Library on 173 Colborne St., Feb. 19 starting 5 p.m.
• Black Joy Through Food & Storytelling, Our Kitchen Brantford, Feb. 21 at 5 p.m. 20 Roy Blvd.

Burlington

Niagara Region