Black History Month: five events in York Region this February

A selection of five community events across York Region is scheduled for Black History Month, including library readings and art activities, a municipal flag-raising with speakers, and a museum exhibition that runs through Feb. 28.

February is Black History Month, and communities across York Region are offering events to learn, celebrate and participate. This selection highlights five local programs taking place during the month. The events are hosted by libraries, municipal organizers and a museum. Most programs are described as drop-in or free. Event details: - Roots & Resonance — Black History Month: An Afternoon of Learning: Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, 2 to 4 p.m. at Aurora Public Library, 15145 Yonge St., Aurora. - Black History Month Storybook Studio — Drop-in reading and art activity: Sundays, Feb. 8 and 15, 2026 at 1 p.m. at Varley Art Gallery, 216 Main St., Unionville; sessions feature children’s books by Black Canadian authors and a follow-up art activity, and registration is not required. - Celebrating 30 years of Black History Month & Flag Raising Ceremony: Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Markham Pan Am Centre (East Gym), 16 Main St., Markham; the program includes a spoken word performance by Nadine Williams and a keynote address by Rosemary Sadlier, and organizers noted an email contact of diversity@markham.ca for more information. - Black History Month Event: Queensville — Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Queensville Public Library (East Gwillimbury Public Library), 160 Jim Mortson Dr., East Gwillimbury; described as an all-ages drop-in program focused on cultural expressions, economic empowerment and community building. - Museum Exhibition: Heritage and Pride: Runs until Feb. 28 with hours Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. at Elman W. Campbell Museum, 134 Main St. S., Newmarket; the exhibit traces Black history from pre-colonial Africa through the development of Black communities in Canada. Summary: These programs bring a mix of family-focused activities, municipal recognition and a museum exhibit to communities across York Region for Black History Month. The listed events are scheduled through February and include both single-day gatherings and a multi-week exhibition; the museum show continues until Feb. 28. Undetermined at this time.