Ways to mark Black History Month
Jan. 21, 2026
Feb. 1 marks the beginning of Black History Month, a time to honour, celebrate, and uplift Black Excellence. This month offers an opportunity to recognize that brilliance, amplify Black voices, and celebrate the enduring impact Black communities have had and continue to have on Canada.
Black History Month is also a moment to spotlight the innovators, leaders, and changemakers shaping our present and future. It invites us all to engage, learn, and recommit to recognizing Black excellence not only this month, but every day.
Attend an event at the college or in your community
Here are a few upcoming Black History Month events at Georgian. Please check back as more may be added.
Open to employees and students:
Fireside Chat with Fenton Jagdeo – Trailblazing Black Excellence
Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking conversation celebrating Black excellence with Fenton Jagdeo.
Fenton Jagdeo is a Canadian entrepreneur, strategist, speaker, and civic leader recognized for his leadership in innovation, governance, and equity. Drawing on his diverse experience in entrepreneurship, investing, public service, and academia, Fenton inspires individuals—particularly those from equity-deserving communities—to pursue their fullest potential.
This candid discussion will explore themes of resilience and achievement, as well as the realities of failure and self-doubt, and the strategies needed to overcome them. The conversation will also offer practical, actionable insights that participants can apply to define and work toward success on their own terms.
Monday, Feb. 2, 1 to 2:30 p.m., ABSC Event Space or watch it live streamed.
Dancing with Eleanor: Afro-Caribbean beats dance session
Join GCSA, Athletics and the African and Caribbean Student Union for a workout class that celebrates Black History Month. Our AfroCarribean Beats class combines African music with a fitness routine that will get you moving and grooving.
The Caribbean Beats dance class offers a space to recognize and honour the cultural richness of the Black diaspora. Through dance, participants engage with stories of resilience, creativity, and community that are central to Black history. It also aligns with Georgian’s commitment to fostering equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging by creating opportunities for cultural learning and celebration.
Barrie Campus
- Thursday, Feb. 5, 1 to 2 pm , second floor C building (across from Subway)
Orillia Campus
- Thursday, Feb. 19, noon to 12:45 p.m. , Grizzlies Grotto
Film screening and discussion panel: Ninth Floor
Ninth Floor is a compelling documentary that revisits the 1969 Sir George Williams Affair, one of the most significant student-led anti-racism protests in Canadian history. Through powerful archival footage and firsthand accounts, the film examines how Black students challenged systemic racism within a Montreal university, leading to a confrontation that shocked the nation. The documentary invites viewers to reflect on justice, activism, and Canada’s complex history with race, while drawing important connections to ongoing conversations about equity, accountability, and social change.
Thursday, Feb. 19, 1 to 3:30 p.m., Orillia Campus, C112 (theatre)
Open to students only:
Celebrating Black Excellence in film
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 4 to 7 p.m., Barrie Campus, TLC
Join the GCSA at TLC for an evening movie showcasing black excellence.
Taste of the Caribbean – Orangeville Campus
Enjoy some Afro-Caribbean cuisine food samplings from Soulyve Catering - Food giveaway while supplies last.
Tuesday, Feb. 3, noon to 1 p.m.
Black History Month movie marathons- Orillia Campus (Cafeteria)
- Monday, Feb. 2, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Friday, Feb. 6, noon to 3 p.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Open to Georgian employees:
EDIB book club
Join us virtually as we read and discuss How to Say Babylon by Safiya Sinclair. Raised in a strict Rastafarian household in Jamaica, Sinclair chronicles her journey of breaking free from patriarchal control through poetry, education, and voice. This book is a moving exploration of resilience, creativity, and the courage it takes to reclaim one’s own story, offering a deeply personal reflection on belonging, resistance, and liberation.
- Tuesday, Feb. 5, 11 a.m. to noon
- Tuesday, Feb. 12, 11 a.m. to noon
- Tuesday, Feb. 19, 11 a.m. to noon
- Tuesday, Feb. 26, 11 a.m. to noon
Educate yourself
Learning about the experiences of Black friends, colleagues, neighbours and community members extends far beyond Black History Month.
We encourage you to sustain a commitment to change all year by:
- reading articles and books,
- watching documentaries, and
- listening to Black-led podcasts.
Not sure where to start?
Begin here: Educational resources on racism and anti-Black racism
Looking for some great reads during Black History Month?
Librarians and staff in Library and Learning Services have pulled together a great list of collections to amplify Black voices and want to share it with the Georgian community. Check it out below!
More resources to learn from
- “5 Black Women Talk About Their Lives in Canada—Past, Present and Future” by Eternity Martis (2020)
Celebrate Black history and culture beyond February
Black Canadians have played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of our nation, contributing to art, music, literature, business and much more. To truly appreciate this influence, it’s time to shift from a one-month celebration to a year-round embrace of diversity. Here are some practical steps you can take to integrate, promote and engage with Black culture:
- Instead of confining cultural celebrations to February, actively attend events and festivals that showcase Black talent and creativity throughout the year. Whether it’s music festivals or art exhibitions, these gatherings offer opportunities to immerse yourself in the vibrancy of Black culture.
- Diversify your media consumption by including a broad range of voices and perspectives. Seek out literature, films, documentaries and podcasts that amplify Black stories and experiences.
- Seek opportunities to engage in conversations about race, culture and diversity. Meaningful dialogue fosters understanding and empathy, dismantling stereotypes and promoting a more inclusive community.
- Translate knowledge into action! Explore resources and tools that can help contribute to environments where individuals feel seen, heard and valued.
Together, and with the support of community members and allies, Georgian continues to cultivate a teaching, learning and working environment where everyone feels seen, heard, valued and knows they belong. This is reflected in our demonstratable, accountable and system-wide commitments to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, decolonization and anti-racism. I’m personally dedicated to this work, and I hope all students and employees will consider how they can amplify their commitments and celebrate the achievements of Black Canadians during Black History Month and every day.
Kevin Weaver, President and CEO
Originally published in January 2023 and updated in January 2026.