University of Winnipeg Celebrates Black History Month with Dynamic Events

February marks Black History Month, and the University of Winnipeg is set to commemorate this significant occasion with a series of vibrant events. The theme for 2026 is “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.” The university encourages the entire community to engage in various activities aimed at celebrating Black history and culture.

Among the highlight events is the Afro-Caribbean Mentorship Program (ACMP) 2026 Black History Month event titled “Black Narratives Leading Communities: Action, Vision & Change.” This gathering, scheduled for February 27 from 17:00 to 21:00, will take place across multiple locations on campus, including Riddell Hall and the Bulman Centre. It aims to honor the accomplishments of the Black African Diaspora community in Canada while recognizing their contributions throughout history.

The program will feature a keynote address by His Excellency, The Honorable Gline Clarke, the High Commissioner to Canada from Barbados, at 19:00. Attendees can expect engaging panel discussions, showcases of Black-owned businesses, and bursaries for Black students enrolled in secondary and post-secondary institutions in Winnipeg. The event will also include entertainment and a catered meal, creating a celebratory atmosphere for all participants.

Registration for this event is free and is currently open. Students from the University of Winnipeg, University of Manitoba, RRC Polytech, and local high schools are eligible to apply for book bursaries worth up to $3,200. The application deadline for these bursaries is February 13, 2026.

In addition to the main event, the UWSA Racialized Students Director and the BIPoC Lounge will host a free movie night on February 5, starting at 17:30. Students will have the opportunity to choose from a selection of films, including “Sinners,” “The Color Purple” (2023), and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”

On February 26, the university will hold a Job Fair focusing on Black-owned businesses in Winnipeg, from 12:00 to 15:00 in the Bulman Student Centre. This fair aims to connect students and community members with local enterprises, fostering opportunities for engagement and employment.

Later that evening, the Black Excellence Gala will take place at 18:30 in the Bulman Student Centre. This event is dedicated to showcasing Black excellence across various fields, featuring a dynamic panel discussion highlighting diverse journeys and achievements, along with live performances and cultural cuisine. Tickets are available for $5 for students and $10 for others, and all are welcome to attend.

The University of Winnipeg Archives will also contribute to the month’s observances with the exhibition “Archiving the Black Canadian Experience,” running from February 2 to April 30, 2026. A panel discussion titled “Archiving the Black Canadian Experience: Education, Innovation, Preservation” is scheduled for February 3, from 14:30 to 16:00. This discussion will feature speakers dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage of the Black community and ensuring their stories are accessible to a broader audience. The event is free and open to faculty, staff, students, and community members, with light refreshments provided.

For more detailed information about these events and ticket purchases, interested individuals can visit the BIPoC Lounge web page or contact Brett Lougheed directly. The University of Winnipeg’s initiatives for Black History Month demonstrate a commitment to celebrating and honoring the rich history and contributions of the Black community in Canada.