Centennial College is proud to celebrate Black History Month, an opportunity to engage our community in honouring the experiences, histories, contributions and achievements of diverse Black communities.
As we engage in celebration, it is also imperative to acknowledge ongoing institutionalized and systemic inequities that continue to perpetuate anti-Black racism in society. As a community, we are called to accountability and action to address and challenge anti-Black racism in all its forms, as we continue to build a College community that values inclusion, diversity and principles of social justice, not only in the month of February but throughout the year.
Black History Month is a time for action. A time for honouring the contributions and accomplishments of the Black community, while celebrating and amplifying the voices of all people of the African diaspora. Check out the list below of resources and events for ideas on how you can get involved.
Events
Colts Women’s Basketball vs. St. Lawrence College
Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Progress Campus, CCSAI Athletic and Wellness Centre
The men’s game will follow approximately 20 minutes after the women’s game concludes.
Colts Men’s Basketball vs. St. Lawrence College
Date: Sunday, February 8, 2026
Time: Scheduled for 3:00 p.m. (start time may vary depending on the women’s game)
Location: Progress Campus, CCSAI Athletic and Wellness Centre
Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Progress A2-19 or online
Description: Join the Black Student Collective for a student moderated Black Leadership Panel featuring Black Academic Leaders, Faculty, and Staff as they share their lived experiences, leadership journeys, and pathways within academia.
Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Progress Campus Bridge
Description: Join the Black Student Collective and CCSAI for the Songs of Freedom Vendors Market, a Black History Month-themed market featuring Black-owned student and community businesses.
Live Steelpan music played by Aaron Robert.
Business Listing
- Naijawearsrtw_adire: African Wears
- The Cake Artist (GTA): Couture Wedding and Statement Cakes, Desserts and Sugar Art Workshops
- Zou Zou Media House: Publisher
- Mango Lillie: Proudly Black-owned business specializing in Bold handmade jewelry and visual art. Every piece is made with intention and style. Bold is our favourite colour!
- Ronae Gift Baskets and Flowers: Creating baskets with interesting and practical items
- Puffed Club: A student-run marketplace selling curated lifestyle items. Currently offering beanies, with plans to add more accessories and essentials, all with affordable pricing and clean design.
Art Owner: Professor Roger De Peiza
Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Progress Campus Bridge
Date: Throughout the month of February.
Location: Local Restaurant, School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts.
Menu
Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken (Gluten-Free) – $23
Slow-braised, deeply seasoned chicken served with rice & peas and crispy fried plantain. A comforting Jamaican classic full of bold, soulful flavor.
Oxtail & Jollof Rice (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free) – $25
“Fall-off-the-bone” oxtail paired with West African–style jollof rice and fresh coleslaw. A powerful fusion rooted in resilience, creativity, and celebration.
Coconut Celebration Cake
Cardamom-scented yellow cake layered with creamy coconut filling, coconut milk buttercream, and finished with delicate flaky coconut.
Featured Beverage
Traditional Jamaican Sorrel – vibrant, spiced, and refreshing.
Date: Throughout the month of February.
Centennial Libraries has access to thousands of resources about Black history and contemporary Blackness in Canada and across the diaspora. Check out the Black History in Canada guide to explore books, films, and data or visit in-person to browse our physical book display. You may also wish to check our Black Studies collection, with over 4,000 books, films, and multimedia content related to Black authors, the Black Lives Matter movement, the Black experience across Turtle Island (North America), and anti-Black racism.
Presented in collaboration with Centennial College and the Black Student Collective Widerus Educational Workshops Inc.
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Centennial College, Progress Campus - Room E2-12
What is Screen to Self?
Screen to Self is an in-person, interactive learning experience that uses media created by Black artists and storytellers to spark meaningful conversations about:
- Mental health
- Identity and belonging
- Resilience
- Generational healing
- Self-reflection and growth
Date: Throughout the month of February.
Location: Story Arts Centre Library
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Kisha McPherson
Date: Friday, February 27, 2026
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Location: Winter/Fall Room, Events Center, Progress Campus
Description: This event celebrates the brilliance, resilience, and achievements of Black communities while strengthening our shared commitment to equity and belonging.
Black History Month Scholarship
Are you looking for a meaningful way to make a difference this Black History Month? Make a gift in support of the Black History Month Scholarship! These special scholarships celebrate the accomplishments and perseverance of Black students while breaking down financial barriers to education. 100% of your donation will go directly to Black students at Centennial College who are experiencing economic challenges, opening doors to a brighter future!
Contact us
Questions about Black History Month initiatives? Email Tanya Domize at tdomize@centennialcollege.ca.