By Romeo Kaseram
An LJI Community Report
— Canada is now marking the 30th anniversary of Black History Month with a renewed national focus on economic inclusion, cultural recognition, and anti-racism; earlier this week, leaders at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels issued coordinated statements highlighting both progress made and work still to be done.•••Toronto – Canadians are now observing Black History Month 2026 under the theme 30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations – From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries, marking three decades since the national celebration was officially recognised across the country.In his statement issued on February 1, Prime Minister Mark Carney said the milestone offered an opportunity to reflect on the enduring contributions of Black Canadians, and to reaffirm the federal government’s responsibility to translate recognition into tangible action.“Today marks the beginning of the 30th Black History Month in Canada, under the theme Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations – From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries,” PM Carney said, declaring, “This is a time to honour the enduring culture and resilience of Black Canadians.”PM Carney underscored the central role Black Canadians have played in shaping the country’s economic and social fabric, pointing to leadership in global enterprise, entrepreneurship, and community institutions. He said the federal government remains focused on removing systemic barriers that have historically limited access to opportunity.“Black Canadians have played a vital role in building this nation,” he said, noting that many have led companies driving investment into Canada, while also creating strong local businesses that anchor communities.As part of that commitment, PM Carney highlighted the federal government’s October 2025 decision to allocate $189 million to renew the Black Entrepreneurship Program, a move aimed at ensuring sustained access to capital, mentorship, and resources for Black-owned businesses.Since its launch, the program has supported more than 24,000 Black entrepreneurs, helping to drive innovation and economic growth across the country, the prime minister said.Beyond economic inclusion, Carney said the government is also prioritising community well-being by supporting Black-led, community-based initiatives focused on mental health and access to care.“Building Canada strong means ensuring everyone can contribute to and share in our country’s success,” Carney said, adding, “This Black History Month, we affirm our responsibility to back words with action, deliver opportunity, and build a country where racism has no place.”The theme for Black History Month 2026 was announced earlier, on January 7, in Cherry Brook by Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages. Federal officials said the theme was chosen to reflect both the historical depth of Black presence in Canada, and the continuing influence of Black leadership, creativity, and resilience on the nation’s future.In his own February 1 statement, Miller said Black History Month remains a national moment for reflection, learning, and celebration.“Beginning February 1, we come together to honour Black people, whose contributions have profoundly shaped Canada’s culture and history,” Miller said.He said the 2026 theme invites Canadians to consider the progress made since Black History Month was first officially recognised in 1996, while paying tribute to generations of Black Canadians who helped build the country and continue to move it forward.“For more than four centuries, Black communities have contributed to Canada’s social, cultural, scientific, academic and economic development,” Miller said, pointing to eminent figures as Dr Jean Augustine, who initiated the parliamentary motion recognising Black History Month in Canada; Dr Yvette Bonny, a pioneer in hematology; and Elkin James, a wrestler and artist who co-founded a wrestling school in Toronto.MP Miller also outlined federal investments supporting Black communities, including funding for more than 2,300 community projects through the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative, continued expansion of the Black Entrepreneurship Program, and the establishment of the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund to ensure long-term sustainability.He said the federal government remains committed to combating racism and discrimination through Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-2028 and Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate, which together encompass nearly 100 government-wide initiatives.At the provincial level, Ontario Premier Doug Ford issued a statement in Toronto on February 1 emphasising the contributions of Ontario’s Black community and the role of education in advancing equity.“Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on the many ways Ontario’s Black community has helped strengthen our province and our country,” Ford said.He said the Black community’s legacy of perseverance and resilience spans arts and culture, business, public service, sports, and community leadership, and remains integral to Ontario’s social fabric. Ford also announced that beginning in September 2026, Ontario’s curriculum for Grades 7, 8, and 10 will require students to learn about the history and contributions of Black Canadians who helped build Canada.At the municipal level, Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown, on behalf of Brampton City Council, proclaimed February 2026 as Black History Month in the city, highlighting both historical recognition and local action.“Black History Month is a time to recognise, honour, and celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians,” Brown said, noting that 2026 also marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, first established in 1926 by Dr Carter G. Woodson, and formally recognised in Canada in 1996.Brown said the City of Brampton is advancing its equity agenda through initiatives such as the Black Voices Consultation, launched in August 2025, which is informing a comprehensive Five-Year Action Plan aimed at eradicating anti-Black racism and delivering more equitable outcomes for Black residents.
