Ontario Tech Marks Black History Month
February 2, 2026
February marks Black History Month: a time to honour and celebrate the experiences, accomplishments, culture and contributions of Black community members in Canada, and around the world.
Black History Month also provides space to reflect on the past, acknowledge the present and continue important conversations about addressing systemic anti-Black racism, supporting allyship, and working toward meaningful change.
This year’s national theme, 30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations—From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries, recognizes three decades of Black History Month in Canada and celebrates the leadership, creativity, innovation, and resilience of Black Canadians whose impact continues to shape our communities.
In recognition of Black History Month, Ontario Tech University, the Ontario Tech Student Union (OTSU), Residence and student groups are hosting a variety of in-person and digital events, initiatives, and resources throughout February. Together, they highlight Black culture, promote awareness of history and help create inclusive spaces for learning, connection, and dialogue.
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In-Person Events
Public Lecture: Black History and Pan-African Thought
The university is hosting a public lecture at the Regent Theatre featuring a conversation with Dr. Wesley Crichlow and Dr. Wendell Nii Laryea Adjetey focused on Dr. Adjetey’s book, Cross-Border Cosmopolitans: The Making of a Pan-African North America. The evening will explore themes of Pan-Africanism, identity and cross-border Black histories.
The event will be preceded by a dance performance by Dance Caribe and will be open to the campus community, and the public.
Details:
- When: Tuesday, February 3. Doors open at 6 p.m., event starts at 7 p.m.
- Where: Regent Theatre, Oshawa
This is a free event, but tickets are required.
Get your tickets on the Regent Theatre website
Stories in Colour: Celebrating Black Arts and Literature
Join the Student Engagement and Equity team for a creative workshop celebrating Black storytelling, literature, and artistic expression.
This event will begin with a fireside-style reading room led by Greg Frankson, Artistic Director and Lead Producer of BlackLitDurham. Participants are invited to read, share and reflect on works by Black writers. The session will then transition into a hands-on art activity inspired by the literature and conversations shared earlier. No prior art experience is required and all materials will be provided.
Cultural snacks and beverages will be available.
Details:
- When: Tuesday, February 10 from noon to 2 p.m.
- Where: Dixon/Alger Fireside Reading Room at the North Oshawa Campus Library
Black Women Paint Night
Hosted by Residence, students are invited to join a creative and welcoming space to celebrate Black women through art, and community. Participants will have the chance to engage in a glow-in-the-dark paint session while connecting with others in a relaxed social setting.
Details:
- When: Tuesday, February 17 from 7 to 9 p.m.
- Where: Simcoe Village, Basement Lounge
Registration is not required.
Black History Month Connect Event
Hosted by Residence, students are invited to connect, network and celebrate Black History Month together. The event will include African-inspired food and snacks, games, and prizes.
Details:
- When: Tuesday, February 24 starting at 7 p.m.
- Where: Simcoe Village, Basement Lounge
Black Student Showcase
The Black Student Showcase returns for its second year, following a successful inaugural event in 2025. The showcase brings the university community together to celebrate and acknowledge Black History Month while highlighting the talents, creativity, and entrepreneurship of Black students.
Hosted by the Black Youth Visionary program—in collaboration with student leaders—this event will feature a marketplace showcasing Black-identifying student businesses, clubs and societies. The OTSU will also host a Black board games lounge featuring games such as Culture Tags, Black Card Revoked, Jollof Wars and more.
Details:
- When: Wednesday, February 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Where: Shawenjigewining Hall, Main floor
Interested in hosting a table to showcase your products or services, or performing in the event?
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Digital Events
Black History Month Digital Exhibit at the Campus Library
The Library will curate digital and in-person collections highlighting Black history, scholarship, and excellence.
These include:
- A digital collection exploring anti-Black racism and white privilege, available through the Library website.
- Book displays at the North Oshawa Campus Library and the Social Sciences, Humanities and Education Library in Charles Hall.
- Pathways to Excellence: A Black History Month digital carousel on library screens will highlight influential Black scholars and pioneers. The carousel features success stories and QR codes linking to Library resources to celebrate Black excellence, and inspire the campus community.
Black History Month Collage Creation
Faculty and staff are invited to collaborate in a celebratory collage, showcasing the accomplishments and contributions of Black leaders, innovators, and change makers. Share inspiring images or quotes that highlight the impact of Black excellence in history, and today.
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Student-led Conversations and Community Spaces
Student groups across campus will host a range of events designed to foster dialogue, reflection and connection, including:
Black Leaders of Tomorrow Campaign
The OTSU will highlight the diverse voices on our campus through its Black Leaders of Tomorrow social media campaign, providing students with a platform to share their thoughts and experiences on what representation and belonging mean to them in the context of leadership.
Share your thoughts by Saturday, February 7.
Brown Table Talk: A facilitated conversation space for Black students, organized by the Black Student Collective to discuss shared experiences and current topics.
- When: Thursday, February 5 from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Where: Shawenjigewining Hall, Room 249
Black Student Collective movie night: See the cinematic representations of Black contributions to history in the film Hidden Figures.
- When: Friday, February 27 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
- Where: Science Building, Room 2140
The following events will be eligible for the African Student Union’s (ASU) month-long digital passport engagement program. Students who attend the events below will be given secret codes to be entered into a raffle for the chance to win the grand prizes ($250+ total value).
Black Love pop-ups, hosted by the ASU, will feature a Valentine's themed outreach initiative featuring interactive games, music, and candy in celebration and recognition of Black History Month. Registration is not required.
Session 1:
- When: Thursday, February 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: Shawenjigewining Hall, Main floor
Session 2:
- When: Friday, February 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Where: Charles Hall
Heritage and Hues, hosted by the ASU, is a Black History Month themed paint-and-sip event where students have the opportunity to customize tote bags, vision boards, and canvases while exploring Black artistic identity.
- When: Thursday, February 12 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
- Where: North Campus, a confirmation email with location will be shared upon registration
Visit the ASU booths at the Black Student Showcase on Wednesday, February 25 in Shawenjigewining Hall, Main floor
To stay up to date with student-hosted events for the month, check out these Instagram accounts:
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Awards and Financial Aid Opportunities
Black Excellence in Leadership Award
The OTSU is continuing to recognize students with its Black Excellence in Leadership Award. The award recognizes Black-identifying or multi-racial students who have demonstrated leadership, and community-building. Winners will be presented with a cash honorarium. Students may nominate themselves or their peers for the award.
There is no academic standing requirement to be eligible for this award. Three awards will be given to three recipients and the winners will be chosen by the OTSU Awards Selection Committee.
Students can submit nominations by Saturday, February 28.Black Youth Visionary Program Bursary
The Black Youth Visionary program helps Black-identifying students at Ontario Tech access post-secondary education support and provides financial aid opportunities. Each semester, eligible students can receive a $1,000 bursary for full-time enrolment or $500 for part-time enrolment, with a limited number of bursaries available. Students must be enrolled in the program to receive the bursary application. For more details, contact blackvisionary@ontariotechu.ca.
Visit Student Awards and Financial Aid for additional award opportunities.
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