BHM2026
Black History Month 2026 : Out of Many Cultures, One People
Aligning with culture, one of CCAH’s four pillars, the Black History Month 2026 theme, Out of Many Cultures, One People, highlights the incredible diversity of Black people around the world. This year, we will intentionally honour the many cultures that make up the African Diaspora. From the Caribbean to the African continent, from North or South America to Europe, and beyond, we all come from various backgrounds, traditions, and histories. However, we all make up the same rich identity that we proudly celebrate this month, united by a powerful legacy and an unbreakable bond.
Black History Month Launch Concert
Join us on Monday, February 2 from 5:45-8:00 pm at The Oakville Centre for Performing Arts (130 Navy Street, Oakville).
Get ready to kick off Black History Month 2026 with the following:
Emcee Ann-Marie Green.
Lively musical performances by cross-over band The Band Destiny.
Keynote speech by actor, musician, and educator Sean Mauricette, who will weave history, poetry, and live sound to reflect on what the world has gained through Black existence, from the Moors of Africa to present-day global culture.
CCAH Steel Band and Parang Ensemble collaboration.
Royal Conservatory trained pianist Daniel Fernandez to perform ambient music during the reception
Messages from community partners reflecting on our 2026 theme.
Join us in celebrating and uplifting Black excellence.
Your sponsorship helps us preserve history, uplift voices, and create opportunities that inspire learning, pride, and progress across Halton.
Support meaningful Black History Month learning with accessible, age-appropriate resources that centre Black history, excellence, and lived experience in Canada.
BHM 2026 Program Outline
Art Exhibit
February 1-February 28:
Out of Many Cultures, One People: An Afro-Caribbean Collective | Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre (QEPCCC) Main Gallery | Holcim Gallery | Curator: Francesca Durham
Out of Many Cultures, One People: An Afro-Caribbean Collective, is a curated exhibition celebrating the richness and diversity of Black cultural expression while affirming a shared sense of identity and belonging. Participating artists reflect on heritage, memory, migration, and resilience, revealing how distinct cultural traditions converge into a collective Black experience. This exhibition honours difference without division, presenting art as a unifying force that amplifies many stories into one people, one rhythm, and one enduring cultural voice.
Art Gallery Hours:
QEPCCC Main Gallery:
Monday-Friday: 12-7pm | Saturday-Sunday: 12-5pm
Holcim Gallery:
Monday: 11am-5pm | Tuesday-Thursday: 11am-8pm | Friday: 11am-5pm | Saturday: 9am-4pm | Sunday: Closed
February 1 @ 2:00pm: Out of Many Cultures, One People: An Afro-Caribbean Collective, Opening Reception | At Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre (QEPCCC) Main Gallery | Register Here: Opening Reception Registration
Join us as we open a month-long celebration of art and culture. The opening reception for Out of Many Cultures, One People: An Afro-Caribbean Collective will bring together community, creativity, and sound in an evening that honours shared identity across diverse cultural roots. The event will feature a live harp performance by Pearl Schachter, inspired by the legacy of H.T. Burleigh, whose work bridged ancestral traditions and classical music on a global stage. Guests will have the opportunity to experience the artwork up close and connect with some of the participating artists while celebrating the unifying power of art.
February 21 @ 2:00pm: Out of Many Cultures, One People: An Afro-Caribbean Collective, Artist Reception | At Holcim Gallery | Register Here: Artist Reception Registration
Join us for a second art exhibit reception to continue celebrating art and culture. This reception invites visitors to connect more deeply with the exhibition through conversation, community, and shared reflection.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet several of the featured artists and learn more about their creative practices, inspirations, and the cultural stories reflected in their work.
CCAH & Burlington Concert Band Concert
February 15 @ 2:00pm: Roots, Rhythm and Resilience: A Tribute to Black Music | In Partnership with the Burlington Concert Band | At The Holiday Inn Burlington Conference Centre by IHG
Join us as CCAH steelpan and parang members team up with the Burlington Concert Band for a one-of-a-kind performance blending traditional classical, and Caribbean music. Don’t miss this vibrant musical celebration!
Film Screening
February 18 @ 7:30pm:
Black History Month Film Screening | In Partnership with OFFA & Film.ca | At Film.ca Cinemas |
Get Your Tickets Here: Brother Film Screening Registration
Join us for a screening of Clement Virgo’s film Brother, an adaptation of the acclaimed novel by Trinidadian-Canadian author David Chariandy, presented in partnership with the Oakville Festivals of Film & Art and Film.ca Cinemas.
Following the movie, the evening will continue with a dynamic panel discussion and audience Q&A featuring a representative from the film, offering deeper insight to the film and connection to our Black History Month theme.
Virtual Seminar
February 25 @ 7:00pm: Exploring Black History in our Backyard | In Partnership with Oakville Public Library | At OPL Virtual Branch
Discover the rich stories, voices and heritage of Black communities in Oakville and area. Ideal for high school students and adults! Ages 13 and up.
Join Oakville Public Library and the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton for an engaging virtual session that brings local Black history to life.
Together, we’ll explore community perspectives and lived experiences that highlight the longstanding presence, contributions and resilience of Black residents. This online format allows us to dive deeper than a traditional walking or cycling tour, offering a welcoming space for learning, reflection, and connection from wherever you are.
Register Here: Exploring Black History in our Backyard Registration