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About Black History Month

Join us for this Special Black History Month Service as we celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation it is today.

Black history in Canada

People of African descent 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.

Recognizing Black History Month

Celebrations of Black history began in Canada also shortly after 1926. During the early 1970s, the week became known as Black History Week. It was expanded into Black History Month in 1976. In February 2008, Senator Donald Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Senate, introduced the Motion to Recognize Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month. It received unanimous approval and was adopted on March 4, 2008. The adoption of this motion completed Canada’s parliamentary position on Black History Month.

Join us as we celebrate!

Read More about Canadian Heritage Black History Month