Celebrating Black History Month 2025

Each Black History Month, we recognize the legacy and impact of African, Caribbean and Black Canadians and their communities. This year’s national theme for Black History Month is ​“Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.” And a localized theme for Edmonton has been developed by Africa Centre for 2025, which is ​“Acknowledging the Past and Advocating for Change.” 

Below, we’ve highlighted just a few of the excellent arts events featured on our community events calendar for Black History Month. Are we missing an event on our calendar? Send us your event details at eacweekly@​edmontonarts.​ca.

Check out the City of Edmonton’s Black History Month page for further information and events and activities happening in and around the city all month long.

Edmonton Black History Month Events 

5 ARTISTS 1 LOVE
Until March 30 at the Art Gallery of Alberta 

The annual exhibition celebrates the artistic vibrancy and range of Edmonton’s African-Canadian communities, from Angola to Zanzibar, Togo to Tobago, or Brazil to Barbados! Now celebrating its 19^th year, the phenomenal 5 Artists 1 Love exhibition showcases the diversity of the African diaspora, promotes emerging and established artists, develops global African cultures and celebrates African-Canadian brilliance. 

Catch the Curator’s Tour with Darren Jordan on February 22 at 2:00 pm. (Tour included with admission, register here.)

RHYTHMS OF THE EARTH: A CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Until March 1 at the Carrot Community Arts Coffeehouse

Discover the vibrant works of Gabrielle Songolo and Khiry Tafari as they share stories of culture, resilience, and community through their art. Come admire the creativity, share in the stories, and experience the Rhythms of the Earth.

Join the closing reception on February 27 from 6:00 – 8:00. (More information here.)

BHM SCREENING | ANY OTHER WAY: THE JACKIE SHANE STORY
February 6, 7:00 pm at the Art Gallery of Alberta

The Art Gallery of Alberta is screening Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story (2024). Discover the 1960s Black trans icon Jackie Shane, who made a name for herself as a soul singer in the Toronto music scene. (Screening included with admission, register here.)

BIBOYE ONANUGA BLACKTET: J DILLA TRIBUTE (w/​special guests)
February 7 at 8:00 pm at the Yardbird Suite

This February, Biboye and his Blacktet return to the stage to pay tribute to the late, great J Dilla on the anniversary of his birthday. With a deep respect for Dilla’s genre-blurring artistry, Biboye and his ensemble — featuring some of Edmonton’s most imaginative young Black musicians — reimagine his seminal works through the lens of contemporary jazz. (Tickets available for purchase here.)

MAYDAY, CABARET NOIR
February 7 – 9, various times at Fringe Theatre Arts Barns

Part of Brian Webb Dance Company’s (BWDC) 46^th season, Cabaret Noir is ​“a giant celebration centered around the idea of négritude and a space, so to speak, for resisting being essentialized and pigeonholed by the limitations of this concept, this blackness, this gloominess.” (Tickets available for purchase here.)

CELEBRATING OUR ROOTS
February 8, 6:00 pm at Pendennis Building

When African Women Talk has organized an evening of culture, connection, and celebration. This year’s theme, ​“Roots in the Diaspora,” is an invitation to honour the past, celebrate the present, and envision a future rooted in resilience and pride. The program includes live music, poetry and spoken word, and a screening of the documentary, Bridges Across Time – Alberta’s Black History Month Unveiled. (Tickets available for purchase here.)

THE QUEEN’S R&B HIP HOP CABARET
February 9 at 8:00 pm at the Yardbird Suite

Step into an unforgettable night with Charlee Queen XO & Friends for an experience that blends the power of poetry, the groove of hip-hop beats, and the magic of live music. Feel the energy as lyrical poetry intertwines with smooth rhythms, creating a space where emotions are expressed, stories are shared, and creativity knows no bounds. From deep, reflective verses to uplifting jams that will have you on your feet, this night is about connection, expression, and celebration. (Tickets available for purchase here.)


AN EVENING WITH HISTORIAN LAUREATE — DONNA COOMBS-MONTROSE
February 13, 6:00 pm at Royal Alberta Museum

Join the Royal Alberta Museum as they welcome Edmonton Historian Laureate Donna Coombs-Montrose. An artist, musician and historian, she has spent the last 20 years detailing some of the stories of the people of the African diaspora in the greater Edmonton area and the province beyond. (Tickets include admission, purchase here.)

BLACK MUSIC GET TOGETHER & JAM — EDMONTON
February 25, 7:00 pm at JANA Building

Alberta Music is hosting an evening of celebration, connection, and collaboration focusing on Black music within Alberta. The open jam will be led by incredible local musicians, and everyone is invited to join in. Bring your instruments and voices for a night of great music and vibes. Snacks and beverages will be provided. This event is open to the BIPOC community and its allies. (RSVP here.)


PANEL DISCUSSION | BLACK REPRESENTATION IN THE ARTS
February 27, 4:45 pm at Art Gallery of Alberta

Featuring Renée Williams (Executive Director, Edmonton Arts Council) as moderator and local Black artists Aliya Logun and Shaiheim Small, the panel will discuss the topic of representation in the arts. The night will begin with a short performance and will end with a Q&A session to learn even more about these amazing artists. This panel is co-presented with CARFAC. (Free, registration required.)

Visit the EAC’s community arts event calendar for more listings. Did we miss an event? Send us your event details at eacweekly@​edmontonarts.​ca.