Statement by Government of Canada

Each year, Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Black communities in Canada, listen to their stories, and learn more about their history and contributions to Canadian society.

The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, unveiled the theme for this year’s Black History Month: “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.” Minister Khera announced the theme on Lincoln Alexander Day, which commemorates the legacy of Canada’s first Black Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister, Lincoln Alexander.

The month of February gives us all the chance to celebrate the diversity and achievements of Black people in Canada. However, it is also a time to reflect on Canada’s painful history and the distinct challenges that Black people in Canada continue to face in their daily lives, such as systemic barriers, racism and discrimination.

Our government has been steadfast in our commitment to combatting systemic barriers and creating a more equitable and just future for Black Canadians. To that end, Canada officially recognized the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent in 2018. We also welcomed the adoption by the United Nations of the second International Decade for People of African Descent. Since 2018, our government has committed over $1 billion to create a number of programs that are investing directly into Black communities right across the country. To read more about Canadian Heritage funding opportunities to support Black communities, visit the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program web page.

“As we prepare to celebrate Black History Month, I want to invite Canadians from coast to coast to coast to join us in highlighting and celebrating the remarkable contributions that Black people in Canada make to our country every single day.

“This year’s theme is about reflecting and celebrating the contributions of Black Canadians in shaping our country while paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive future. In Canada, diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a choice; for far too long Black communities in Canada have been faced with anti-Black and systemic racism,” said Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities. “Black History Month offers us all a valuable opportunity to learn more about the diversity of Black communities across the country, and to listen to and be open with one another on what we can do to build a better, more inclusive Canada.”

BlackHistoryMonth #BlackLegacy #BlackLeadership #BlackExcellence #DiversityInclusion #Canada #BHM2025 #RepresentationMatters