Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations

The Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board is committed to ensuring that our Catholic schools are Christ-centered communities where the dignity of each student is honoured. As we mark Black History Month 2025, we reaffirm our commitment to honouring the rich histories, achievements and profound contributions of the Black community. With this in mind, we recognize that the story of Black history is distinct and deeply rooted in the ancestry of diverse cultural backgrounds.
This year’s theme, “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations,” is a call of action, encouraging all of us to reflect on the past, celebrate Black excellence within our Canadian context and work collectively towards a future where every individual feels seen, heard and valued.
Through-out the month of February, our schools will engage in meaningful learning, discussions and activities that amplify Black voices, histories and experiences. For both students and staff, it is a valuable opportunity to deepen our awareness of untold stories and highlight Black trailblazers in politics, arts, sciences and education, who have enriched our Catholic school communities and nation at large.
May we continue to walk together in faith, solidarity and love, celebrating the beauty and strength of Black history. We encourage every member of the HWCDSB to take part in celebrating Black history, culture, and achievements, this month and throughout the year.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY:
February 1: Tubman Tours Canada Open House. Salem Chapel BME Church | 92 Geneva St., St. Catharines | 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
February 3 to 28: City Hall & PAC Art Exhibition: Explore art created by Black artists in Niagara that highlight themes of resistance and pride. Admission is free. City Hall | 50 Church St., St. Catharines.
February 3 to 28: St. Catharines Public Library Art Exhibition: Celebrate art created by DSBN Kindergarten students. Admission is free. St. Catharines Public Library | 54 Church St., St. Catharines.
February 3: Black History Month Launch - Diasporic Dreams: Reclaiming Pasts, Shaping the Present, Crafting Futures. McMaster University Atrium | 1280 Main St W, Hamilton | 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
February 4: Short Story Book Club on Jamie Baldwin's Sonny Blue. Hamilton Central Library, 4th Floor | 55 York Blvd, Hamilton | 6:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m.
February 4: PAC Film Screening: We Were Here: The Untold History of Black Africa in Renaissance Europe. The event includes a post-screening discussion with director Fred Kudjo Kuwornu. Get your free tickets here. Film House at FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre | 250 St. Paul St.,St. Catharines | 6:30 p.m.
February 7: Noon Hour Concert Series featuring the piano talents and voice of Dionne R. Grant. Hamilton Central Library | 55 York Blvd, Hamilton | 12 p.m.
February 8: Jazz legend Thelonious Monk with a film screening and live performances. Hamilton Central Library | 55 York Blvd, Hamilton | 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
February 12: Dr. Ingrid Waldron's Book Launch: From the Enlightenment to Black Lives Matter: Tracing the Impacts of Racial Trauma in Black Communities from the Colonial Era to the Present. Admission is free. Includes catered meal. McMaster’s Continuing Education Building, Room 204 | 1 James Street North | 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
February 15: Black Owned Youth Market hosted by BLK Owned Hamont featuring young BIPOC entrepreneurs. Hamilton Central Library, 4th Floor | 55 York Blvd, Hamilton | 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
February 15: New Paths, Old Stories: Bringing Together Newcomer Stories and Black History: During this free interactive experience, workshop participants will engage in storytelling and place those pieces of a quilt that will come together and highlight the art made by newcomers and honour Black ancestors, freedom fighters, and Black liberation movements. The Robby | 85 Church Street, St. Catharines | 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.
February 20-21: 2025 Youth creative writing workshop called "Write Like a Literary Comic-Con.” Register here. Hamilton Central Library | 55 York Blvd, Hamilton | 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
February 21: Tribute concert for the honourable Hamilton icon, Jackie Washington by Ken Whitely, followed by the Write Like - Anthology Launch later that evening. Hamilton Central Library | 55 York Blvd, Hamilton | 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
February 22: John C Holland Awards. Since 1996, the Reverend John C Holland Awards have celebrated excellence in Hamilton's Black community. This award celebration recognizes the academic achievements and aspirations of Black youth by offering scholarships and support to assist them in accessing post-secondary education. Sold out ticketed event. Lina Station, Grand Station Ballroom | 360 James Street North, Hamilton.
February 27: Black Latin American/Afro- Latinx scholars and activists discussing race, culture, migration, and diasporic identities and their contemporary impact(s). McMaster University, Room PGCLL M12 | 1280 Main St W, Hamilton | 2:30 p.m. - 4:20 p.m.
February 27: Soundscapes of Black Canada, an interactive listening workshop exploring Black Canadian music. Hamilton Central Library | 55 York Blvd, Hamilton | 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
