January is already coming to an end here in 2026, meaning that Waterloo Region is getting set to roll into February, and with it, Black History Month.
The theme for 2026 is “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.”
The region is hoping to carry that theme forward into its various events, all set to kick off on Sunday, Feb. 1, at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum in Kitchener.
The Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region is preparing for its launch event, a free event hoping to bring some stories, food, music, and impactful discussion to the halls of the local museum.
It’s to start at noon and last until 5:00 p.m.
Looking ahead throughout the month, there is a slew of other events to celebrate the month.
Events for Black History Month in Waterloo Region:
- KW Titans Black History Month celebrations versus Lake Erie Jackals on Sunday, Feb. 1, beginning at 2:00 p.m. and tip-off at 3:00 p.m.
- Black History Month Art Workshop at the Waterloo Public Library’s Main Branch on Monday, Feb. 2, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Documentary Film Screening at the Waterloo Public Library’s Main Branch on Tuesday, Feb. 3, from 6:15 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Harmony of Cultures Festival at the Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum on Saturday, Feb. 21 to 22
- ‘White Questions, Black Answers’ Author Event with Grace Ibrahima at the Waterloo Public Library’s McCormick Branch from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month across Canada, with February 1996 marking the first official Black History Month across the country. It’s been nationally celebrated each year ever since.
This year’s theme of ’30 Years of Black History Month’ hopes to dive deeper into the Black voices, Black-owned businesses, and contributions that have been made across Waterloo Region over the years.
Last year, Grand River Transit also featured student artwork on one of its buses throughout Black History Month, with the list of events also expected to continue growing as Waterloo Region pushes into February.
