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 your tickets here: Black History Month Launch Concert Tickets
Get ready to kick off Black History Month 2026 with the following:
- Emcee Ann-Marie Green.
- Lively musical performances by West-Indian 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 prior to the show.
- 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.
Our Flag & Logo
In 2020, our Black History Month logo was designed by Charlene Pura, a Sheridan College student at the time as part of a CCAH-sponsored initiative with Sheridan College. We then had it developed into a flag that was present at event venues and schools. Since 2020, The Oakville Town Hall and Halton Regional Police Service have flown the flag throughout February. We look forward to raising the flag for 2026.
BHM 2026 Program Outline
January 29:
Calypso and Caribbean Folk Music | Halton Catholic District School Board and Halton District School Board | Private event
In-person musical performance and discussion about the history and influence of Calypso and other Caribbean folk music. CCAH Parang instructor and Calypso historian, Roger Gibbs, demonstrates the various instruments. There will be two school performances.
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 | The FirstOntario Arts Centre | 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. Join us in honoring the past and shaping a harmonious future where every voice is valued. Holcim Gallery and QEPCCC exhibits are self-guided, but private tours can be requested via info@ccah.ca.
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, The FirstOntario Arts Centre | 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.
Underground Railroad Museum Exhibit
February 1-February 28: The Underground Railroad: Next Stop, Freedom & Legacy Voices | At Oakville Museum | 8 Navy St, Oakville | Contact preeya.nayee@oakville.ca with questions
Through virtual tours, digitized artifacts, hands-on activities, stories, and a live interactive video presentation, this inquiry-based education program helps students immerse themselves into historical experiences that offer unique opportunities to experience our shared living heritage. Students will explore Oakville’s relationship with the United States in the context of the Underground Railroad. They will learn about how Oakville Harbour played a significant role in the journey to Canada for many freedom seekers. Key figures in the Oakville Underground Railroad story are introduced through the exhibition Freedom, Opportunity and Family: Oakville’s Black History, and excerpts from the multimedia presentation The Underground Railroad: Next Stop Freedom as well as more contemporary stories from the CCAH documentaries Legacy Voices and Legacy Voices 2.
February 7 @ 1:00 & 3:00pm: Museum Walking Tour: Oakville and the Underground Railroad | Oakville Museum | 8 Navy Street | Ages 13 and older | Registration here.
Offered by the Oakville Museum, this unique indoor/outdoor tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Underground Railroad in Oakville. First, see the exhibit “Freedom, Opportunity, and Family: Oakville’s Black History.” Then, watch the exciting multimedia presentation “The Underground Railroad: Next Stop Freedom,” which tells a true story about escaping from slavery. The tour ends with an outdoor walk highlighting the local history of Oakville and the Underground Railroad. Please dress appropriately for the outdoor walk. Our first floor is accessible, and we offer a video tour of the second floor.
Flag Raising
February 2 @ 10:00am: Black History Month Flag Raising | At Halton Regional Police Service Headquarters | By invitation
The Halton Regional Police Service will raise the flag alongside Black-led community organizations.
Community & Harmony Classrooms
February 2-February 27: Community and Harmony CCAH Steel Band | Halton Catholic District School Board and Halton District School Board
As part of Oakville Community Foundation’s Community Classroom initiative and the generous support of the Burlington Community Foundation, the CCAH Steel Band will be performing at participating Oakville elementary schools and Burlington all grades schools as part of the Black History Month and the 2026 school term. Community and Harmony Classrooms will continue until June for schools not able to participate during Black History Month.
Steel Band Performance
February 11: CCAH Steel Band Performance | Extendicare, Georgetown | Allendale LTC, Milton | Private event
Our CCAH Steel Band will be warming up the residents of Extendicare and Allendale with some Caribbean music.
CCAH Steel Band & 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. Get Your Tickets Here: Roots, Rhythm, and Resilience: A Tribute to Black Music Tickets
The CCAH Steelpan and Parang bands will be performing as special guests at Burlington Concert Band’s upcoming concert celebrating Black History Month with music composed by and performed by Black Musicians. Join the BCB and CCAH for an exciting musical evening as we recognize the rich history and talent that Black musicians have brought to the world.
Reading Corner Drop-In
February 16 @ 10:00am: CCAH Reading Corner: Discovering Art Through Storytelling | In Partnership with the Town of Oakville | At Queen Elizabeth Park Community and Cultural Centre (QEPCCC) Main Gallery | Drop-in Event
Join us on Family Day in the Out of Many Cultures, One People: An Afro-Caribbean Collective Art Exhibit for a family-friendly, drop-in event to explore creativity and expression through storytelling and art. Throughout the day, participants will engage with authors, poets, spoken word artists, and visual artists, discovering various new ways to express themselves creatively. The activities will be interactive, featuring readings, presentations, and hands-on workshops. A self-guided art gallery activity will also be available to participants for some casual discovery and fun!
Film Screening
February 18 @ 7:30pm:
Brother Film Screening | In Partnership with OFFA & Film.ca | At Film.ca Cinemas |
Get Your Tickets Here: Brother Film Screening Tickets
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.
Watch the trailer for Brother here.
Youth Excellence Celebration
February 20 @ 9:00am: Black Excellence Symposium | Halton Catholic District School Board | Private event
CCAH will be part of the HCDSB’s day-long symposium celebrating Black excellence for secondary students.
Virtual Seminar
February 25 @ 7:00pm:
Exploring Black History in our Backyard | In Partnership with Oakville Public Library | At OPL Virtual Branch | Ages 13 and older Register Here: Exploring Black History in our Backyard Registration
Discover the rich stories, voices and heritage of Black communities in Oakville and area. 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. Ideal for high school students and adults!