Black History Month (February)

This article provides a history of Black Canadians who participated in the gold rush in the Klondike and contributed to the history of the Yukon Territory. There are many archival images.

Here is an interesting chapter of Canadian railway history. The Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters was the first trade union in Canada organized by and for African Canadians.

Learn about Africville, an African-Canadian village located just north of Halifax and founded in the mid-18th century. This article describes the origins and history of the community, as well as its unique culture and eventual destruction.

This timeline shows key events and contributions for Black Canadians in the history and development of Canada. You can change the time limitations at the front of the timeline.

The 15 dynamic women artists featured in this exhibit are a mix of poets, playwrights, filmmakers, musicians and visual artists. Each has made a significant contribution to the Canadian arts.

Portia White was the first Black Canadian concert singer to win international acclaim. White was named a “person of national historic significance” by the Government of Canada in 1995. Don't miss the embedded video.

This online exhibit is from the Archives of Ontario, celebrating Daniel G. Hill's contributions to human rights in Canada. The exhibit was prepared by Hill's son, Lawrence Hill, the author of The Book of Negroes.

This site provides a history of military involvement for Black Canadians, from the War of 1812 through to the modern Canadian Armed Forces.

William Hall was the first Black Canadian to receive the Victoria Cross. Born in 1827, he died in 1904 after a life as a ship's captain. Read about his life as a sea captain in the Royal British Navy and how he came to win the Victoria Cross.

Read the biographies of some notable people who have shaped Black Canadian history.