black history month: february is black history month: Acknowledging the Past and Advocating for Change

February is National Black History Month, where we recognize the legacy and impact of African, Caribbean and Black Canadians and their communities in our City.

Black History Month 2025

The national theme for Black History Month this year is “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.” 

A localized theme for Edmonton has been developed by our partners at Africa Centre for this year, which is “Acknowledging the Past and Advocating for Change.”

The Approach

The Africa Centre, Edmonton Heritage Council, the Edmonton Community Foundation and the City have partnered to create the Black History Month Initiative Fund.

This fund supports community organizations hosting Black History Month events and activities throughout the month of February.

Community Events Supported Through This Initiative

Explore community events taking place throughout the month-long commemoration.

City's Commitment to Fighting Racism

Black History Month calls our attention to the important contributions of Black communities in building a vibrant and diverse city, while also recognizing the ongoing work needed to combat racism, discrimination and inequities which cause harm to local Black communities. 

Supporting events and activities that promote Edmonton’s diverse Black communities and their cultures and histories is just one of the many ways the City is raising awareness of the vital historical and ongoing contributions of Black communities to the city.

To learn more about the Black experience in Canada, the City has sponsored a free course offered through the University of Alberta titled, “Black Canadians: History, Presence and Anti-racist Futures.” The 4 module course features academics, artists and activists, who together, provide insight into the history and migration of Black people to Canada and who are contributing to the presence and survival of Black people in Canada. 

Black History month is a great time to begin this journey in deepening our understanding and learning ways in which we can be allies.

We encourage all Edmontonians to take part in Black History Month, while reflecting on the role each one of us can play in helping make Edmonton a welcoming and inclusive home for all.