Black History Month at BPL
Throughout the month of February, we honour and celebrate the legacy of Black Canadians, their communities, their achievements, and contributions throughout our Canadian history.
Black authors, performers and activists have profoundly shaped Canadian, American and world culture. By engaging with Black history, we gain insight into all Canadian and American history and the important roles played by members of Black communities.
Programs & Activities
Plan to join us for in-person events with visiting authors and Black History Month special editions of some of our popular monthly programs for adults and kids.
You Make a Difference | Feb 10
Experience captivating storytelling with Cameile Henry, author of You Make a Difference. A family-friendly event that highlights the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians that made a difference. Engaging stories and activities help children build connections and celebrate diversity.
Black History for All Ages | Feb 18
Plan to attend a discussion with award-winning author Wanda Taylor as she shares the stage with Sandra Henein, host of FM radio's Black Exposed. Wanda Taylor talks about the differences in writing about Black history across ages and genres. She has written books for adults on the history of black communities in the Maritimes, and her latest book, The Grover School Pledge, is for middle-grade readers. It tells the story of a young girl who, encouraged by her father's childhood experience in the Million Man March, teams up with her no-nonsense classmate and other Grover School students to right a systemic wrong.
(l-r) Sandra Henein, Wanda Taylor, and Cameile Henry
Virtual Author Talk with Jason Mott | Feb 20
In a live, virtual event presented by BPL's digital resource, Library Speakers Consortium, bestselling author Jason Mott talks about his recent novel, Hell of a Book. An incredible work of fiction that is deeply honest, at times electrically funny, that goes to the heart of racism, police violence, and the hidden costs exacted on Black Americans and America as a whole. Don't worry if you miss the live talk—you can watch the recorded talk any time after the event through Library Speakers Consortium.
Afternoon Movies
On Tuesday afternoons, visit our Central Branch and watch movies about Black history and heritage on a big screen. No registration is required. Showtime is 1pm in Centennial Hall. Please email or call us at 905.639.3611 extension 1211 a few days before your visit if you need an accessibility accommodation.
Hidden Figures (Feb 6) is based on the unbelievably true-life stories of three African-American female mathematicians who joined NASA and were pivotal in ensuring the safe return of astronauts launched into orbit.
Clarence (Feb 13) follows an 85-year-old African-American WWII Vet who after fighting for the United States, tackling civil rights, raising a family and living a full life, returns to university to fulfill his dream of getting a degree.
42: The Jackie Robinson Story (Feb 20) is a powerful film about the legendary baseball player who broke Major League Baseball's colour barrier and forever changed the game of baseball.
Belle (Feb 27), the illegitimate, mixed-race daughter of a Captain in the Royal Navy, finds her unique social standing is instrumental in the campaign to end slavery in England.
Looking for More?
Check out incredible, inspiring Canadian fiction and memoirs to read or listen to for Black History Month. Stories from authors across Canada cover issues of identity and immigration, injustice and oppression, and perseverance through difficult circumstances.
Fiction & Memoir for Black History Month
Celebrating BIPOC Success in TV & Film
Celebrating Black History Month
Celebrating Black Activists for Kids
