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.
U of T Spaces & Experiences is delighted to invite you to Celebrating Black Excellence, a Black History Month gathering in the New College Dining Commons. This year’s celebration is hosted at New College in recognition of the College’s longstanding commitment to African and Caribbean Studies, equity-focused scholarship, and its diverse student and alumni community. The event brings together food, music, entrepreneurship, and community connection in a shared campus setting.
Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | 2 – 4 PM | New College Dining Commons – 40 Willcocks Street
RSVP Required. Space is limited – uoft.me/SE-BHM-2026
Digital Diaspora: Exploring Black Identity in Digital and Future Spaces
Afro-Futurism Book Display at U of T Robarts Library – First Floor. February 1 – February 28
Groove Theory: Live at Hart House Great All
Enjoy live music from the Black diaspora, featuring R&B, Afrobeats, Hip Hop, and more. The night will also include Black-owned vendors (from clothing and crocheting to jewelry), curated art installations highlighting Black artists across the GTA, and will conclude with an open mic session.
Friday, February 6, 2026 | 6 – 8 PM | Great Hall, Hart House – 7 Hart House Circle
Gospel Choir: A Celebration of Black History Through Music
Join students from U of T’s Faculty of Music, the Toronto School of Theology, and the Faculty of Arts & Sciences as they present a powerful musical journey featuring African American spirituals, traditional and contemporary gospel pieces, and an electrifying gospel rhythm section. This evening will also showcase the cross-cultural influence and dynamic performances that bridge Canadian and U.S. gospel and classical music traditions. We welcome visiting guest scholar and performer, Dr. Trineice Robinson-Martin, who serves as chair of the ensemble department at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Dr. Robinson-Martin is also the creator of the Soul Ingredients® Methodology, and founder of the Soul Ingredients® Voice Studio. We also welcome guest performers, Courtenay Frazer, N.I.F.T.Y., and Tanya Charles.
Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 7:30 – 9 PM | Lyric Theatre- Meridian Arts Centre – 5040 Yonge Street. Toronto, ON M2N 6R8
Registration required – learn more!
Black History Month 2026 Movie Screening hosted by New College Student Council
Black History Month is a time to honour the brilliance, resilience, and impact of Black communities, past and present. It’s a reminder to keep learning, celebrating Black joy, and showing up beyond February. Join NCSC in our special screening. Enjoy warm food and light refreshments.
Featured Film: “Judas and the Black Messiah”
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 | 5:30 – 8:30 PM | William Doo Auditorium, 45 Willcocks Street
Registration not required. If you have any accessibility concerns, questions, or dietary restrictions, please email us directly at equity@ncsc.ca.
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 History Month Trivia Night
Gather your friends and put your knowledge to the test as you compete for College merch, exciting prizes, and bragging rights in this friendly trivia competition. Expect a mix of questions that revolve around Black history, pop culture, and significant achievements. Hosted by Innis College and Woodsworth College. Organized by Innis Alumni Office.
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 | 6 – 8 PM | Innis College Events Room – 2 Sussex Avenue, Toronto, ON Canada
Open to all students, alumni, staff and faculty.
Young Gifted & Black Gala
Welcome to the 3rd edition of the Tri-CAMPUS UOFT Black History Month Gala, an inspirational celebration that pays tribute to Black History. Inspired by Chadwick Boseman’s words, this year’s Black History Month Charity Gala celebrates the brilliance of young Black trailblazers through the lens of Young Black Hollywood. With a sleek black-and-white aesthetic and clean draping, the evening evokes the elegance of a red-carpet premiere while honoring the creativity, resilience, and cultural pride of our community.
Friday, February 27, 2026 | 7 PM – 2 AM | Panemonte Banquet & Convention Centre – 220 Humberline Drive, Toronto, ON M9W 5Y4
The annual tradition has been going strong for over two decades! Celebrate Black excellence on February 26 with inspiring speakers, dynamic performances and celebrate community in a welcoming space. Special guest Chancellor Wes Hall will be celebrated for his work and guest performers include Kolette Easy, Matthew-Ray Jones and Suzette Vidale.
Thursday, February 26, 2026 | 11:30 AM – 2 PM | Hart House – 7 Hart House Cir – Great Hall, RM. 1022, Toronto, ON M5S 3H3
Black Research Network Symposium 2026
The Black Research Network (BRN) Research Symposium brings together multidisciplinary researchers from across the University of Toronto to showcase the transformative impact of Black research excellence in shaping the future.
Conference theme: Transforming Research into Impact: Strategies, Stories, and Futures
This year’s theme brings together researchers, innovators and practitioners to explore how ideas lead to real-world change. We are inviting leading voices from across disciplines to showcase how they are turning research and teaching into action, highlighting past successes, current challenges and future possibilities.
Friday, March 27, 2026 | 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM | Alumni Hall, Victoria University, 73 Queen’s Park Crescent E, Toronto, ON M5S 1K7