Celebrate Black Heritage Month, double your impact

GUELPH – This February, the Guelph Black Heritage Society (GBHS) presents its sixth Annual Black Heritage Month program. 

Officials call the program “a vibrant celebration of Black excellence, history and community resilience.” 

While the GBHS  honours Black heritage year-round, Black Heritage Month offers a special opportunity to reflect on the builders of the past, uplift today’s changemakers and inspire tomorrow’s visionaries, officials state in a press release. 

The theme for the GBHS’s 2026 Black Heritage Month program is “Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations – From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.”

Donations to the GBHS will go twice as far thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor who will match every donation dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000. 

Donations help pay off the mortgage on Heritage Hall, a historic landmark that preserves and celebrates Black heritage in Guelph. 

“This isn’t just a donation – it’s an investment in safeguarding a space where future generations can learn, connect and thrive,” officials state in a press release. 

“Imagine the possibilities: more cultural programs, more educational opportunities, more community initiatives – all because you chose to give,” they continue. “Together, we can honour the past and build a brighter future.” 

To make a donation visit canadahelps.org/en/dn/142898. 

Calabash Cultural Food Pantry

Food insecurity remains a pressing concern, and many families face an additional challenge: limited access to culturally appropriate non-perishable foods. 

To address this need, GBHS is partnering with The SEED, The Buttahfly Initiative and local donors to launch the Calabash Cultural Food Pantry, helping families access foods that reflect their cultural traditions.

To support the pantry, bring culturally relevant non-perishable items to any Black Heritage Month event or schedule a drop-off at Heritage Hall by emailing info@guelphblackheritage.ca.

Needed items include:

– grains and staples including cornmeal, couscous and rice (white, parboiled and basmati);

– legumes including lentils and dried beans (black, kidney and pigeon peas);

– canned goods including callaloo, ackee, coconut milk, sardines and mackerel; 

– spices and seasonings including curry powder, jerk seasoning and all-purpose seasoning; and

– other essentials such as hot pepper sauce, evaporated milk, powdered milk and hygiene items. 

Black Heritage Month events

Throughout February the GBHS will host a range of events including a concert, a pop-up freestore, a flag raising gathering, a science activity, a Black -owned market, a seniors drumming workshop and a workshop celebrating Black resistance, creativity and community care. 

Celebrations will begin with a Clothed With Love Pop-Up Freestore at Heritage Hall on Feb. 1 from 2:30 to 4:30pm. 

There will be a wide selection of gently used clothing and essential supplies, all completely free. 

Every item is clean, in excellent condition, and ready to find a new home, officials state. 

For more information visit clothedwithlove.ca.

On Feb. 2 there will be a flag raising and gathering at Heritage Hall from 11am to 1pm. 

The African Nova Scotian flag will be raised and there will be spoken word by Justin Reid, music by Alpha Kayondo and refreshments courtesy of Pattie Mon.

On Feb. 5 there will be hands-on science experiences at Heritage Hall at 5pm. 

Let’s Talk Science is designed to spark curiosity and creativity in young learners.

The  Together We Thrive: Black-Owned Market will be at Heritage Hall from 12 to 4pm on Feb. 7. 

“Shop local and support Black-owned businesses offering unique art, crafts and cultural cuisine,” officials encourage. 

Building Our Radical Imagination is a workshop taking place at Heritage Hall on Feb. 8 from 2 to 5pm. 

It’s an empowering, youth-centered workshop celebrating Black resistance, creativity and community care in Canada. 

Through art, storytelling, poetry and public speaking, participants will explore abolitionist principles and learn how to apply them in their own communities.

This workshop is co-presented by the UGDSB Black Parent Council and The Young SeedKeepers. To register visit tinyurl.com/2j25kk4x. 

The Phoenix Seniors Club Drumming Workshop will take place on Feb. 12 at 1pm, also at Heritage Hall. 

“Join multi-instrumentalist Sammy Duke for an African drumming experience,” officials invite. 

To register, email info@guelphblackheritage.ca

The Lift Every Voice Concert is set for Feb. 21 at 7pm at the Guelph Youth Music Centre. 

In partnership with Joy in the City Guelph, this evening of music and reflection honours stories of strength within the Black community. 

Featuring JUNO Award–winning artist Carlos Morgan, alongside Verese Vassell-Bowen, Michelle Adams and more.

For tickets visit shorturl.at/ed1iB. 

The GBHS is looking for volunteers to help with event setup, market support, food pantry sorting and hospitality.

To become a volunteer visit guelphblackheritage.ca/volunteer.

For discounts on ticketed events and to support heritage programming become a friend of the GBHS:  guelphblackheritage.ca/friend-of-gbhs. 

To connect with the GBHS on social media follow and share these hashtags: #GBHS #BlackHeritageMonth #HonouringBlackBrilliance.