Black History Month honoured in Mississauga this February

This year’s national theme is “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.” This theme celebrates three decades of Black History Month in Canada and recognizes the enduring legacy of Black Canadians, whose leadership, creativity, innovation and resilience have shaped our past, continue to influence our present, and will inspire future generations.

Throughout the month of February, the City of Mississauga, in partnership with the Black Caucus Alliance, will continue to commemorate Mississauga’s Black community through a variety of programs and events.

All are encouraged to visit the Black History Month webpage, which highlights a variety of learning opportunities and engagement activities designed to deepen the understanding of this important month, some of which include but aren’t limited to the following:

• Raptors 905 vs Greensboro Swarm – Black Heritage Month Game
• REEL Thursdays – The Best of the Best: Jazz from Detroit
• African Drumming & Storytelling
• Book Club: Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
• Midday Melodies: Chamber Music Live with Waleed Abdulhamid
• Library Movie Screenings
• Online Author Talk: Antonio Michael Downing
• Virtual Roots and Resilience Fitness Classes

Celebrating Black Excellence Event

The third annual Celebrating Black Excellence event will take place on Friday, February 27, 2026 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Mississauga City Hall. The event will include performances, keynote speakers and an awards ceremony. If you know someone deserving of a Black Excellence Award, please take a moment to submit a nomination – which will be accepted until February 13, 2026.

Background

Discover more about the actions the City is taking to engage Black community members in decision-making processes, ensuring that programs and services are equitable and inclusive for all residents.

• First Steps: A Community-Driven Report on Making Mississauga More Equitable for Black Communities was received by Mississauga City Council in April 2022. The City developed a multi-year implementation plan and tracking mechanism for the 36 recommendations in the City’s purview. The City is well on its way to implementing the recommendations with:
  • 7 initiatives completed prior to the roadmap
  • 18 initiatives implemented and operational
  • 4 initiatives in progress
  • 11 initiatives are either awaiting initiation and/or require further planning
• Mississauga’s Black Community Engagement sessions helped inform the First Steps report through the recommendations, ideas and the lived experiences of hundreds of community members.
• Anti-Black and Indigenous Racism – Resolution 207

The City of Mississauga recognizes that racism, and in particular anti-Black racism and discrimination is a crisis in our community that requires immediate and sustained attention.

• International Decade for People of African Descent – Resolution 0039-2022

The City of Mississauga joins the global community in recognizing 2015 to 2024 as the International Decade for People of African Descent.

• In 2021, the House of Commons officially designated August 1 as Emancipation Day. Each year, the City of Mississauga raises the Pan-African flag and lights the City Hall clock tower red, black and green to recognize this important day.

Quotes

“Mississauga is now and has always been a proudly diverse city. It’s through our work with community groups including the Black Caucus Alliance that allows us to better understand the needs, the struggles and the history of our residents. As a City, we are committed to continuing our work to create a united Mississauga, a space where all residents feel safe, understood and valued.” – Mayor Carolyn Parrish

“This year marks the 30th anniversary of Black History Month in Canada, a milestone to reflect on the brilliance and sacrifice of those who built our foundation. In partnership with the City of Mississauga, we are honoring this legacy and this year, prioritizing youth well-being and equity. By celebrating our ancestors’ resilience, we reaffirm our commitment to dismantling anti-Black racism. Together, we are ensuring tomorrow’s visionaries inherit a city that protects their health and empowers their potential.” – Shelly Scott-England, Chair, Black Caucus Alliance

Tags

• Arts and Culture
• Awards and Recognition
• Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)