Black History Month

February is Black History Month. Every February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and festivities that honour the legacy of Black people in Canada and for their contributions to communities.

Join us this February as we come together as a community to amplify Black voices and highlight Black Canadians and their stories of resistance, resilience and achievement.   

See below for events and activities, NAIT support and services, and additional resources.

Events and activities

Registration information

If you are a student, you will need to register through Ookslife to attend the Black History Month events. Please note that you will have to create an Ookslife account.

If you are staff, please use the dedicated registration links to register. 

If you have any technical issues when registering for the events, please email amplifyblackvoices@nait.ca.

Welcome to Black History Month - Opening Event

February 1 | 12:00PM – 1:30PM | Dow Theatre & Virtual | Registration for in-person and virtual attendance closes January 31 at noon

As we kick off  Black History Month, you are invited to attend the opening event at the Dow Theatre.

Following the welcome address, we will be screening a 15-minute film titled "Ice Breakers" followed by a panel discussion facilitated by Alisha Shah and Tino Villatoro. The film screening and panel discussion will be hosted in-person and virtually.

If you attend in-person, there will be free food! We will be serving West African cuisine including small chops, meat pies, puff puff, Lagos donuts, and more! 

Student RSVP via Ookslife 

Staff RSVP via Online Form


The Story of Black Hair - All You Need to Know About Black Hair

February 7 | 12:00PM - 1:00PM | Virtual | Registration closes February 6 at noon

“The stigma around Afro-textured hair is a construct and comes from myth.” Emma Dabiri, Author, Don't Touch My Hair

Hosted by the OEDI, students and staff are invited to join the virtual conversation about Black hair. In this session, we will learn about the history behind Black hair, how it was used to escape slavery. We will also talk about how we can demystify stereotypes, and answer questions about Black hair.

Come unlearn, learn, relearn, and ask any question you might have about Black hair.

Student RSVP via Ookslife

Staff RSVP via Online Form


Library Feature

Throughout February

Throughout February, the Library will feature a virtual bookshelf on its website landing page – the virtual bookshelf is a mix of videos, eBooks and print books authored by folks of Black Heritage.

A virtual and roaming feature of feature of works by folks of Black Heritage in the areas of academia, literature, arts, music etc. - acknowledging and celebrating the excellence they have brought and continue to bring. This feature will also seek to include visual imagery of folks of black heritage who have pioneered and paved the ways in many spheres of life across Canada and worldwide.  

Noteworthy figures

black history month figures in colourful graphics

The Government of Canada has compiled a list of biographies showcasing remarkable Black individuals who have made significant contributions or achieved notable success within Canada. Learn more about these individuals and their accomplishments by using the link below. 

Photo: Government of Canada

See the full list

Resources

NAIT support services and resources

library with desks, computers, and bookshelves

Black History Month: Virtual Bookshelf

Explore our curated list of books and videos available through the NAIT Library on various topics supporting Black History Month.

Black History Month books and videos

student talking to another person while sitting at a talbe

NAIT Student Counselling Centre

Life has its challenges, but you don’t have to face them alone. For NAIT students, we offer free, confidential help and work with you to create a personalized plan to improve your self-care, mental health and overall well-being. 

Learn more and book an appointment


Related pages

We've compiled some additional reading, supports and resources here:

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Black History Month apparel on shop AT NAIT

black history month and beyond hoodie in white and black with black history text on the front of the hoodie

Limited special edition Black History Month and Beyond hoodies

To commemorate Black History Month and Beyond, a limited quantity of Black History Month hoodies are now available for purchase on shop AT NAIT. 

These limited special edition hoodies come in two colours, white and black. The front of the hoodies will have the following text screen-printed on "Black History. Learn it. Live it. Make it. 365 days a year."

Visit shop AT NAIT

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