OTTAWA — Canada is marking the 30th year of Black History Month with a new national theme, fresh federal funding for community-led programming, and a slate of events and initiatives running through February across the country.
Black History Month theme highlights “Black brilliance” across generations
The federal theme for 2026 is “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries,” a framing the government says is intended to recognize historical contributions while spotlighting emerging leaders and innovators. Canadian Heritage has also released a digital toolkit and educational resources to support public institutions, schools, and community organizations promoting Black History Month programming.
Federal funding targets community celebrations and cultural programming
As part of the 2026 launch, the Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, Marc Miller, announced more than $280,000 in funding for nine Black History Month projects in Atlantic Canada, spanning theatre and festivals, workshops, and community events. The funded projects listed by Canadian Heritage include recipients in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Carney points to entrepreneurship and mental health supports
In a Black History Month statement dated February 1, Prime Minister Mark Carney highlighted the October 2025 renewal of the Black Entrepreneurship Program with $189 million, saying the program has supported more than 24,000 Black entrepreneurs since launch. Carney also said the federal government is supporting community-based, Black-led initiatives focused on mental health and well-being.
National initiatives broaden the policy focus beyond February
Federal program pages list several ongoing measures positioned as supports for Black communities and Black-led organizations, including the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund, the Mental Health of Black Canadians Fund, and the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative. The same federal overview also references work tied to Canada’s Black Justice Strategy.
Events planned nationwide, including a Black Justice Strategy webcast
Alongside local celebrations, the Canadian Race Relations Foundation says it is supporting Black History Month programming and will host a “Finding Common Ground” webcast focused on implementation of Canada’s Black Justice Strategy, bringing together government and community leaders and partner organizations.
With February underway, federal officials say the month is intended to pair celebration with renewed attention to systemic barriers, as governments and community groups roll out programming that extends beyond Black History Month itself.
