A message from the City of Edmonton:
The theme for Black History Month 2024 is Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build.
The Anti-Black Racism Plan recommended that the City of Edmonton work with community to institutionalize the month-long commemoration of Black History Month.
This year, the Africa Centre, Edmonton Community Foundation, Edmonton Heritage Council and the City partnered to coordinate the collective energies of Edmontonians and support community organizations to host Black History Month events throughout February.
Community Events Supported Through This Initiative
The Black Heritage Month Initiative, which is administered by Africa Centre and comprised of resources provided by the City of Edmonton, Edmonton Community Foundation and Edmonton Heritage Council, is supporting 15 organizations and their projects.
Visit the National Black Coalition of Canada for a list of other community-based events that celebrate Black History Month.
City's Commitment to Fighting Racism
Black History Month calls our attention to the important contributions of Black communities in building a vibrant and diverse city, while also recognizing the ongoing work needed to combat racism, discrimination and inequities which cause harm to local Black communities. Supporting events and activities that promote Edmonton’s diverse Black communities and their cultures and histories is just one of the many ways the City is raising awareness of the vital historical and ongoing contributions of Black communities to the city.
Developing the Anti-Black Racism Plan is another demonstration of our commitment to begin to intentionally address concerns of Black communities and is part of the Anti-racism Strategy.
The City of Edmonton encourages all Edmontonians to both celebrate Black History Month and reflect on how the diversity of growing communities in Edmonton fosters inclusion throughout February as well as every other month of the year.