In February, we celebrate Black History Month and recognize the outstanding contributions made by the Black community in Waterloo Region, in Canada and beyond.

Black History Month is an opportunity to learn, reflect and appreciate the achievements and legacy of Black Canadians. Learn more about Black History Month in Canada here.

Join in the celebration and discover events, reading lists, resources and more below.

Programs & Events

Learning Resources

KW Caribbean Association Local History Collection blog card image

Local History Collection: KW Caribbean Canadian Cultural Association

Discover our Local History collection featuring the KW Caribbean Canadian Cultural Association's photos, flyers and other documents, spanning from 1975 to 2015.

CBC Gem Black Stories collection blog card image

CBC Gem: Black Stories Collection

Watch the Black Stories Collection of movies, documentaries and television series on CBC Gem.

Kanopy: Black History Month Films

Stream films by Black filmmakers and about the Black experience with Kanopy.

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Kanopy Kids: Diversity & Equality for Kids Collection

Explore movies, tv shows and read-along storybooks to help teach kids about Black History.

eBooks & eAudiobooks with Libby for Black History Month

eBooks & eAudiobooks with downloadLibrary & Libby

Find a selection of eBooks and eAudiobooks celebrating Black Voices from downloadLibrary and the Libby app.

Anansi and Di Snowstorm Performance with Ujima: Black History Month & Beyond @UW

Anansi and Di Snowstorm Performance

Featuring an original story by Dr. Clive Forrester from the Department of English Language and Literature at the University of Waterloo and performance by Letna Allen-Rowe aka "Miss Letna".

Community Events & Resources

  • African Women Alliance of Waterloo Region

    The African Women’s Alliance of Waterloo Region is a non-profit community organization founded in 1995. Their mission is to promote African culture and heritage to members of the African community and the general populace in Waterloo Region through educational and social activities.

    Learn more here.

  • Bring on the Sunshine

    Established in 2010, Bring On The Sunshine (BOTS) responded to anti-Black racism, aiming to unite and support individuals of African descent in Canada. The organization focuses on empowering the African, Black, and Caribbean communities in Waterloo Region, especially youth and new immigrants.

  • Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region

    The Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region (CCAWR) is a non-profit organization serving Waterloo Region’s Caribbean community. Organized in 1975, they are committed to strengthening and enhancing the quality of life of families and individuals by providing culturally sensitive programs, support, resources, education and training.

    CCAWR Black History Month 2025 Launch: Legacy and Triumph
    Date: Sunday, February 2
    Time: 12-5 pm
    Location: Federation Hall, University of Waterloo
    Learn more here.

  • Guelph Black Heritage Society

    The Guelph Black Heritage Society (GBHS) was founded to preserve the historical significance of the The Guelph BME (British Methodist Episcopal) Church at 83 Essex Street in Guelph, which was built by formerly enslaved Black individuals and their descendants who arrived in the area via the Underground Railroad.

    Learn more about their Black History Month events here.

  • Kitchener Public Library

    Check out the Kitchener Public Library’s Black History Month programs and events, including guest speakers and more.

  • Ontario Black History Society

    Founded in 1978, the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS), is at the forefront in the celebration of Black history and heritage with a demonstrated record in the study, preservation and promotion of Black history in Ontario.

  • Ontario Heritage Trust

    The Ontario Heritage Trust offers a variety of resources to learn more about Black Heritage in Ontario. Discover the collection here.

  • Rhythm & Blues Cambridge

    Rhythm & Blues Cambridge is a hub for community and engagement that supports and showcases the Black community in Cambridge. It promotes and appreciates the Black experience by building partnerships, sharing and develop vital resources for our community.

    Find details about their Black History Month events here.

  • Stroll Guided Walking Tours

    Stroll Walking Tours offer curated private walking tours on a variety of subjects. Learn more about the Black Presence in Berlin tour, which takes place in Downtown Kitchener. Please note that these are paid tours.

  • University of Waterloo

    The University of Waterloo celebrates the diversity of people of African descent in Canada and their importance to the history and prosperity of this country; discover events, the Black history of UW, stories and more on their Black History Month page.

  • Wilfrid Laurier University

    Throughout Black History Month and the rest of the year, Wilfrid Laurier University invites you to learn about their inspiring Black student leaders, exceptional faculty and staff members and their impactful alumni through the stories, events and learning opportunities featured.

    Discover stories, resources, events and more here.

Waterloo Public Library

WPL’s Check It Out blog is your go-to destination for all things literary, curated with care by your trusted library staff. With insightful book reviews, reading suggestions, helpful resources and more, we’re here to inspire and guide you on your journey through all that the library has to offer.