City to observe Black History Month in February

BRANTFORD, ON – At their City Council meeting held Tuesday, January 28, 2025, Brantford City Council officially declared February 2025 as Black History Month in the City of Brantford. Among recognition activities planned is a City hosted flag raising event at Harmony Square on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 4 p.m. with remarks from Mayor Kevin Davis and representatives from Child and Family Services of Grand Erie. All are welcome to attend this free event. Brantford City Hall will also be illuminated in yellow, green and red from February 1 to 7, 2025 in honour of Black History Month.

In 1926 historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week to recognize the significant contributions of African Americans. He chose the second week of February to align with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14). In 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada, following a motion by the Honourable Jean Augustine, Canada’s first Black female Member of Parliament. The City of Brantford has formally recognized Black History Month since 2021. 

“Black History Month is an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the significant contributions that Black Canadians make to our community,” says Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis. “Black people have been a fundamental part of Brantford’s history, dating back as early as 1858, and have greatly contributed to the cultural, economic, political and social development of our city. This month, we pay homage to the legacy of Black Canadians and look forward to the invaluable contributions that future generations will bring.”

Organizations across the city will be hosting events throughout the month of February to celebrate the past, present, and future contributions of Brantford’s Black community. Residents are encouraged to visit brantford.ca/BlackHistoryMonth for full event listings and to learn more.

“Black History Month is an opportunity for Brantford to honour the historical and ongoing excellence of our Black community,” says Sally Johnson, Executive Director of Child and Family Services of Grand Erie. “This month, and throughout the year, it is important to reflect on the experiences of Black community members, to inform important work being done to shape a more equitable and inclusive future. As the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine reminds us, 'Black history is not just for Black people. Black history is Canadian history'."

In 2022, the City of Brantford joined the UNESCO Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities, pledging to work with community partners to ensure all residents can fully participate in the City's economic, political, social, and cultural life. As part of this commitment, and recognizing that diversity strengthens our community, in June 2023 Brantford City Council approved the Inclusive Community Plan to promote learning, advocacy, and the celebration of social inclusion.

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