The kick-off to Black Heritage Month (BHM) 2026 is here and Humber Polytechnic is inviting the community to take part in a series of events and activities throughout February celebrating Black culture, identity and community.
The month’s programming is led by Humber’s Black Student Support and Engagement (BSSE) team in partnership with the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB).
While February is an important time to recognize the richness of Black culture and identity, the work of BSSE extends year-round and touches on many aspects of campus life.
The 2026 theme, Black Brilliance: Stories that Shape Us, invites the community to gather in celebration, honour powerful stories and build community together. This year’s programming centres Black storytelling as a source of identity, belonging, and community connection, highlighting the personal, cultural, historical, and future-focused narratives that continue to shape Black life, learning, creativity and community at Humber and beyond.
“Black Heritage Month invites us to reflect on the impact of Black communities across culture, education and society,” said Kimberly Daniels, dean, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging. “Through this year’s theme, we are creating opportunities for learning, dialogue and celebration that strengthen understanding and community across Humber.”
The BHM Opening Ceremony takes place Tuesday, Feb. 3 at noon at Lakeshore Campus. The event will feature music and reflections that uplift Black voices and stories and will set the tone for a month grounded in connection, celebration and collective exploration.
Programming continues throughout the month with a diverse range of events, including cultural performances, community conversations, and more.
A Community and Basketball event takes place Feb. 4, for which the BSSE team will create signs together before heading to the gym to cheer on the Humber Hawks basketball teams.
The Melanin Market, hosted in partnership with First Year Experience, takes place at North Campus on Feb. 5 from noon to 4 p.m., offering an opportunity to support local Black-owned businesses. The market also runs Feb. 12 at Lakeshore Campus during the same hours.
The Reel Love Movie Marathon happens Feb. 6, Feb. 13 and Feb. 20, creating a laid-back space for the community to unwind, watch films together and connect.
A Karaoke Party takes place Feb. 10 from noon to 2 p.m. in celebration of Black music. Hosted in partnership with the LGBTQ+ Resource Centre, the event honours the rich legacy of Black music through song.
Lit in the Library: Exploring Black Voices is a low-pressure, drop-in book club that offers space for conversation without required reading or preparation. Drop-in sessions take place Feb. 11 at Lakeshore Campus from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and at North Campus from noon to 1:30 p.m.
BSSE in collaboration with the Office of Sustainability has also organized a Sustainable Self-Care event on Feb. 17 at North Campus where wellness meets environmental responsibility through mindful practices and eco-conscious living.
The Community Conversation Braided Histories: Exploring Afro-Indigenous Identities, led by Alyssa Gray-Tyghter and Carrington Christmas, draws on family stories, lived experiences and graduate research to explore the histories and identities of Afro-Indigenous communities. The discussion examines the complexities of Afro-Indigenous identity and the diversity that shapes connections to culture, community and land. It takes place Feb. 19.
The Afrobeats Paint and Sip event happens Feb. 26 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at North Campus. Hosted in partnership with the Spirituality & Wellness Centre, the event offers a fun and energetic atmosphere to enjoy art, music and culture.
For a full list of Black Heritage Month events at Humber, visit the Black Heritage Month 365 online calendar and explore opportunities to engage, learn and build community.