Black History Month 2026

January 27, 2026

This year's Black History Month theme is 30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries. As the AOM continues to advocate for racial justice and for equitable and culturally safe midwifery care, it is essential to acknowledge and understand the history of Black Midwives in Canada. The Colour of Birth project is a multimedia experience exploring and documenting the history of Canada's earliest, racialized, immigrant midwives and their communities during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Watch this short video of Dr. Karline Wilson, director of the TMU's Midwifery department and principal investigator of the Colour of Birth research project, speak on the inspiration behind this research to unearth the hidden stories of Black midwives in Canadian history, and a story she uncovered throughout her research that stuck with her.

 

Dr. Karline emphasizes the importance recognizing the contributions of Black midwives who improved the quality of care delivery through the use of ancestral knowledge and remedies. Equally as important is revealing, honoring and applauding the contributions of Black Canadians historically and in present day.

This month marks not only a commemoration of the contributions and stories of Black people in Canadian history, but also an important reminder to reflect on the ongoing harms of systemic and structural racism. To learn more about Research Related to Systemic Racism in Healthcare, see our Racial Equity Toolkit webpage (login required).

The AOM is committed to ensuring Black midwives are supported and represented across the profession and within decision-making spaces. To learn more about the representation of midwives in Ontario see AOM's membership equity data page.

Get Involved with Black History Month

Celebrate Black History Month by participating in one of the community events taking place around Ontario!

  1. Colour of Birth Symposiums on Black Lives Mattered Then and Now, Ancestral Traditions and Historical Findings - Future Directions

  2. Blackhurst Cultural Centre Experience Walking Tour

  3. Access Alliance Black History Month Community Meal and History of Black People in Canada: February 20th, 2026 from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

  4. Toronto Public Library Black History Month Events

  5. Explore Caribbean Connection: One Man’s Crusade, an exhibit looking at Donald Moore, a community leader and civil rights activist who fought to change Canada’s exclusionary immigration laws (online exhibit).

  6. Explore this stretch of Eglinton Street West from Bathurst Street to Dufferin Street – home to Little Jamaica – which has developed quickly over the past century and continues to transform. View the Eglinton West Growth and Transformation tour. (self-guided tour)

  7. Take in the arts and landmarks of Oakwood Village, a neighbourhood just south of Little Jamaica and known for its Caribbean, Portuguese and Italian communities. View the Arts in Oakwood tour. (self-guided tour)

  8. Black History Month Events in Ottawa including a vendor market for Black businesses and advocacy groups, and a commemorative hockey game.

  9. Guelph Black Heritage Society Events including a flag raising, a Black-owned market and a live concert.

  10. Black History Month In Chatham-Kent including a tours of the Buxton National Historic Site & Museum and Museum of African Canadian History, and a Candlelit concert exploring a century of Black music.

  11. A History Exposed: The Enslavement of Black People in Canada | City of Kingston

  12. The Black Diamond Ball – The Most Exclusive Event For Black History Month!

  13. Black History Month Celebration: We Rise Together Tickets, Sat, 7 Feb 2026 at 5:30 PM | Eventbrite: A night to honour the groundbreaking achievements of Black leaders, innovators, and changemakers, while celebrating the richness and vibrancy of Black culture.