Learn about, celebrate, and honour the history and achievements of Black Canadians.
Each February, we recognize Black History Month. Black History Month is about honouring the enormous contributions that Black people have made, and continue to make, in all sectors of society. It’s about celebrating resilience, innovation, and determination to work towards a more inclusive and diverse Canada.
Books & DVDs in Catalogue
Select the Subject Heading links below to find Books, E-Books, Audiobooks, & DVDs
Film & Documentaries on Kanopy
Kanopy Streaming Films has made a list of films that highlights the history and heritage of the Black community.
Black History Film Collection
Black Composers on Naxos Music Library
Naxos Music Library has made playlists featuring Black composers. Play the music on your browser. Wi-Fi recommended.
Playlist 1
Playlist 2
History on Points to the Past
On Points to the Past, search through millions of pages of digitized historical content such as maps, photographs, newspapers, manuscripts, pamphlets, poems, sermons, and much more.
From the Resources page, go to the Slavery and Anti-Slavery Transnational Archive, devoted to the study and understanding of the history of slavery in America and the rest of the world from the 17th century to the late 19th century. Archival collections were sourced from more than 60 libraries.
More Resources
Black Communities in Canada: A Rich History
The National Film Board’s curated list of films by distinguished Black filmmakers, creators, and allies that portray the multi-layered lives of Canada’s diverse Black communities.
Black History Month: ‘Rich history’ of black people in B.C. has roots in Victoria
Learn about the emigration of black Americans from California to Victoria area in 1858, an important history that helped shape the province of BC (from the Vancouver Sun).
British Columbia’s Black Pioneers
This story highlights the profound impact of Black pioneers who helped to stabilize British colonial communities and ultimately warding off American territorial authority.
Hogan’s Alley Society (HAS)
HAS is a non-profit organization composed of civil rights activists, business professionals, community organizations, artists, writers, and academics committed to daylighting the presence of Black history in Vancouver and throughout BC.
Hope Meets Action
An online complement to the exhibition Hope Meets Action: Echoes Through the Black Continuum, that highlights the living and ongoing history of Black belonging in what is referred to as “British Columbia.”
British Columbia Black History Awareness Society (BCBHAS)
BCBHAS celebrates the achievements of Black people in British Columbia by creating an awareness of the history of Blacks in BC, stimulating interest in the contributions of persons of African ancestry to BC and Canada today, and celebrating historical and contemporary achievements.
To Understand B.C.’s Black History, Connect Past and Present
Learn about the history and current presence of black communities in BC.