Every February, YMCA Calgary joins people across Canada to celebrate the legacy and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities.
Black History Month in Canada was first observed in 1979 in the City of Toronto. Nova Scotia followed suit in 1988, Ontario in 1993, and at the federal level, it was proclaimed a national month of observance in 1995. Dr. Jean Augustine, the first Black woman elected to the House of Commons, introduced and championed the motion, which was unanimously accepted by Parliament.
While the presence and contributions of Black people should be observed year-round, the focus on Black history in February draws attention to the fact that the contributions and histories of Black people have often been erased from the record. We recognize that Black history should not be limited to teaching about oppression, but also celebrating Black stories and cultures, and that we need to continue to challenge and take action against anti-Black racism throughout the year.
There are many ways you can participate in Black History Month this year. Here are just a few:
Attend a free Black History Month event at Saddletowne YMCA
Family Fun Friday | February 17 at 3 p.m.
Drop in for crafts, activities and games in celebration of Black History Month. Perfect for children under 12 and their families.
Black History Month Inspired Dance Classes
Twerk Dance Class (18+) | February 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Find your confidence and learn how to move your body in new ways with this lively one of a kind twerk class.
Afro-Jazz Dance Class | February 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Afro-Jazz Style combines the modern form of dance with its original African ethnic roots. The dance focuses more on rhythm and improvisation.
Local Market ft. Black-Owned Businesses | February 25, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Shop local & support black-owned businesses at YMCA Saddletowne!
Sign up to be a vendor!
Teen Vibe Youth Events for Ages 12 and Up
Movie Night: Black Panther 2 | February 10 at 4 p.m.
Movie Night: Cinderella (1996) | February 24 at 4 p.m.
Basketball | February 10 at 3 p.m.
Learn more about the Youth Engagement Program at Saddletowne YMCA here!
Attend an event in the community or online
Kujichaguila! Body Stories: Where History, Race and Queerness Intersect
February 17, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Online
Calgary Public Library | The Importance of Black Canadian History in the age of #BlackLivesMatter
February 15, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Online.
Calgary Public Library | An Evening to Honour Ted King: Patricia Irvine and Bashir Mohamed in Conversation.
February 26, 7 – 8:30 p.m. Online & In-Person
Calgary Public Library | Rhythm and Rhymes with Bubba B “the” MC, a Black History /365 event
February 12, 2 – 3 p.m., In Person
Ethink Festival of Arts and Culture 2023
February 24 & 25
Read Black authors
Children’s Books for Black History Month
Black History Month for School-Aged Kids
Birth to 5 – Books for Black History Month
Watch or screen films by Black Canadian film-makers
Top Black Canadian Filmmakers and where to watch their films
10 Great Films for Black History Month
Expand your knowledge
Black History in Canada | The Canadian Encyclopedia
Black History Is About More Than Oppression | LaGarrett J. King
Black Studies programs you should know about | Toronto Star