Celebrating Black History Month February 2026

Whereas the Government of Canada celebrates Black History Month in the month of February each year;

and Whereas the Province of Ontario and many municipalities across the nation also recognize Black History Month and its significance in the month of February each year;

and Whereas the Town of Arnprior understands the importance of recognizing individuals in Arnprior, both past and present, who are members of the Black community;

and Whereas the Government of Canada has announced that the theme for 2026 Black History Month is “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations – From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries”;

and Whereas during Black History Month, we commemorate and celebrate the many achievements and contributions made by Black Canadians who throughout our history have shaped our country’s heritage and identity;

and Whereas as the Town of Arnprior’s population becomes increasingly more diverse, Black History Month is an opportunity to embrace diversity and foster belonging and inclusion across the Town;

and Whereas Black History Month is a month in which we learn of both great accomplishment and trauma, both of which are important for all of us to understand and where that understanding and a commitment to act make us stronger and better as a community;

and Whereas through the month of February, the Town of Arnprior will share various information and resources pertaining to Black History Month via social media and the Town’s website, and encourages residents to participate in available programming from organizations across the region;

and Therefore I, Lisa McGee, Mayor of the Town of Arnprior, do hereby proclaim February 2026 as Black History Month in the Town of Arnprior and encourage all residents, staff, and Members of Council to take the time to participate and to learn more and understand how these communities continue to help shape the story of Canada.

Lisa McGee,

Mayor Town of Arnprior

On Fridays in the month of February, we will share a free to watch documentary or series related to Black History in Canada that we encourage residents to watch, reflect and discuss with their friends and family.

For Kids

Joe

This animated short tells the story of Seraphim Joe Fortes, one of Vancouver's most beloved citizens. Born in the West Indies, Joe Fortes swam in English Bay for over than 30 years. A self-appointed lifeguard at first, he became so famous that the city of Vancouver finally rewarded him with a salary for doing what he loved best. He taught thousands of people to swim and saved over a hundred lives. Yet there were some who did not respect him because of his skin colour. Through his determination, kindness and love for children, Joe helped shift attitudes.

Black Soul

Martine Chartrand’s animated short dives into the heart of Black culture with an exhilarating trip though history. Watch as a young boy traces his roots through the stories his grandmother shares with him about the events that shaped their cultural heritage.

February 9th

Ice Breakers

Through the present-day journey of a gifted young hockey player, Ice Breakers uncovers the buried history of how Black athletes helped pioneer modern hockey.

February 16th

Black Life: Untold Stories

An eight-part documentary series that reframes the rich and complex histories of Black experiences in Canada.

February 23rd

Patty vs. Patty

The story of Toronto's bizarre 1985 "patty wars," when Jamaican-Canadian bakers went head-to-head with the federal government over the name of their beloved beef patty.

The Meat Inspection Act had determined a beef patty to be what goes in a hamburger — containing only meat and seasoning and couldn't be encased in dough or a crust. A Jamaican patty — widely known as a flaky pastry with a spiced beef filling — didn't meet the criteria.

Officials threatened fines if the shops didn't comply by changing their menus, packaging and signs to, well, anything except "patty."

The vendors resisted. They refused to sell the patty under any other name. And so the patty wars began.

February 30th

Journey to Justice

This documentary pays tribute to a group of Canadians who took racism to court. They are Canada's unsung heroes in the fight for Black civil rights. Focusing on the 1930s to the 1950s, this film documents the struggle of 6 people who refused to accept inequality. Featured here, among others, are Viola Desmond, a woman who insisted on keeping her seat at the Roseland movie theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia in 1946 rather than moving to the section normally reserved for the city's Black population, and Fred Christie, who took his case to the Supreme Court after being denied service at a Montreal tavern in 1936. These brave pioneers helped secure justice for all Canadians. Their stories deserve to be told.

Want more?

There were so many documentaries and series to choose from and they are all free to watch.

• NFB.ca: Extensive free, curated collection of Black Canadian films.
• CBC Gem: Offers a section dedicated to films, series and documentaries of Black Voices .

February 1, 2026 at 2 pm - Black History Month Opening Ceremonies - Ottawa Conference and Event Centre

Join us as we celebrate Black contributions and legacies. Proclammation by Marc Sutcliffe- Ottawa mayor, Black History Month Stamp unveilling- by Canada Post, Black History Month Coin rereal- Royal Canadian Mint, Community Builder's Awards.

Click here to learn more

February 4, 2026 at 7 pm - Equity Diversity Inclusion and Belonging: Unleashing the Power of Belonging - Algonquin College Pembroke

Embark on an inspiring journey with Kwame Osei as he shares personal stories that shed light on the transformative influence of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging. With authenticity and passion, Kwame recounts his own experiences of facing the damaging effects caused by a lack of diversity and inclusion, illustrating the profound impact it had on his mental, social, and emotional well-being. In this captivating presentation, Kwame delves into the essence of an inclusive workspace, providing a comprehensive understanding of what it entails and why it is crucial. Drawing from his own insights and experiences, he equips the audience with practical knowledge and actionable steps to foster a diverse workplace culture & workforce that cultivates cultural competence and understanding.

Click here to learn more

February 18, 2026 at 7 pm - Black History Month film from NFB at the Arnprior Library

There are many organizations and educational resources across the country devoted to the promotion and awareness of the history of Black communities in Canada. Click here to find some organizations and insightful resources.

The Arnprior Public Library has a Black History Month book display with bookmarks and there’s a highlighted listing of recommended Black History Month reads on a scroll on the library’s homepage.