Did you know?
The celebration of Black History Month originated in the United States.
For 30 years, February in Canada has been a month dedicated to honoring the heritage and contributions of Black people in Canada and their communities.
This celebration began in the United States in 1926, spearheaded by African-American historian Carter G. Woodson and pastor Jesse E. Moorland. They launched Negro History Week: a week to celebrate contributions that were ignored in school textbooks, during the second week of February. In 1976, it was extended to a month and exported to Canada in late 1995.
But why February? It was a strategic choice. The second week of February coincides with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, two iconic figures in the abolition of slavery.
Many activities and celebrations are organized during this month. Discover Black History Month programs in Montreal:
- https://www.moishistoiredesnoirs.com/
- https://www.hec.ca/evenements/mois-histoire-noirs-2026
- https://fonduaunoir.ca/ (Festival fondu au noir, with in-person and online activities)