Celebrating Black History Month at U of T
The motion to officially recognize February as Black History Month was introduced in the House of Commons in 1995 by the first Black woman elected to Parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine. New College joins the U of T community in celebrating and recognizing the change makers of African descent in Canadian history who shaped the fabric of Canadian society and impacted innovation in all sectors, including science, engineering, medicine, public health, education, politics, and the arts. Here are some of the many events and activities celebrating Black History Month happening at U of T.
The New College Registrar’s Office is celebrating Black History Month with a draw to win a gift basket of various items from Black-owned businesses across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), which the Registrar’s Office has curated. Open to New College students who drop by the Registrar’s Office between February 10 – February 27 and answer a skills-based academic question for a chance to win!
The draw will take place on February 28. Winners will be notified by email.
An Evening with Author Zalika Reid-Benta:
Join author Zalika Reid-Benta, alumna of Victoria College and Caribbean Studies, University of Toronto, for an engaging evening as she discusses her debut novel River Mumma and award-winning story collection Frying Plantain, followed by a moderated discussion on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 6 – 8 p.m. at the William Doo Auditorium, New College.
The Anti-Racism and Cultural Diversity Office (ARCDO) is running a series of programs celebrating Black History Month.
For upcoming events, check out ARCDO’s calendar for Black History Month.
Black History Month at the Music Library:
February is Black History Month, which is a time to honour the lives of Black people. In the Music Library, we are highlighting the achievements of Black musicians, composers, and movements in our display this month. We encourage you to come in and view the full display in the library from February 1 – February 28.
Black History Month Film Club at Innis College
Innis College, the Black Student’s Association, and the Cinema Studies Student Union invite you to join us at 6:30 PM on February 11, 18, and 25 for a series of free film screenings at Innis Town Hall. Registration is required.
February 11 – Love and Basketball (2000)
February 18 – Blade (1998)
February 25 – The Color Purple (2023) with post-film discussion panel
A series of programs using the lens of Afrofuturism to explore and present arts, dialogue and well-being at Hart House. The full calendar of events can be found on the Hart House website.
Black Histories Wikipedia & Wikidata Edit-a-thon:
Representation matters: not just on our screens, but in the information and data we share. Join an online panel discussion and beginner-friendly editing sessions to help improve coverage of Black histories. Organized by library and archives staff and students at Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto Public Library, University of Toronto and York University.
Celebrating Black Women Icons: Gospel Greats, the Clark Sisters
Join the Faculty of Music Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office for a free screening of The Clark Sisters: First Ladies of Gospel which will take place in person at the faculty, with the option to attend via livestream. It will be followed by a talk with Dr. Darren Hamilton, Professor of Music Education and founding director of the faculty’s Gospel Choir, and renowned vocal artist Patricia Shirley. We’ll also have time for a mini workshop on singing in the gospel style! Registration required.
The annual tradition has been going strong for over two decades! Celebrate Black excellence on February 28 with inspiring speakers, dynamic performances and celebrate community in a welcoming space. Special guest Tracy Moore will be celebrated for her work in raising awareness about EDIs well as working towards addressing and reversing equity disparities for marginalized communities.