OCAD University acknowledges the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians with exhibitions and initiatives during Black History Month.
Check out these exhibitions, initiatives and events all month long!
OCAD U related events
2026 Sankofa Square Black History Month Digital Exhibition
Feb. 1 to 28
Sankofa Square, 1 Dundas St. E.
The RBC Centre for Emerging Artists & Designers is partnering once again with Sankofa Square to feature work by artists on the square’s five digital screens. This year, the Black History Month Digital Exhibition Career Launcher is showcasing the work of animator and visual artist Sydnie Baynes; multidisciplinary artist and designer Chimemelie Okafor, who is also a current student; and Shamika Pierre, an illustrator and emerging artist and recent graduate.
The Black History Month Digital Exhibition Career Launcher, an annual event presented by the RBC CEAD with Sankofa Square, debuted in 2021. The Career Launchers program supports the career development of emerging artists and professionals by connecting them with real world opportunities to exhibit and share their art.
L to R: Work by Sydnie Baynes, Chimemelie Okafor and Shamika Pierre is being featured at Sankofa Square.
Exhibition presented by the Almeda Collective (OCAD University’s Black Student Collective)
Feb. 2 to 15, 2026
The Great Hall, second floor
100 McCaul St.
Curated by Wuliyah Hankey and associate curator Loren Siscar, this exhibition showcases artworks by Black students at OCAD University. The opening event is on Feb. 2, from 6 to 9 p.m., in the Great Hall at 100 McCaul St.; The closing party (organized by the Almeda Collective and the OCAD U Black Caucus) is on Feb. 12, 4 to 6 p.m.
The exhibition features the work of Wuliyah Hankey, Shem B. Joslyn, Ayana Lewis, Uchenna Nwaogwugwu, Errol Ricard, Brianna Bell-Riley, Tanto Tejumola and Keziah Zikusooka.
Onsite Gallery curatorial lecture Andrea Fatona: Making our way
Feb. 25, 2026, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
100 McCaul St. (Auditorium)
On Feb. 25, OCAD U’s flagship professional gallery, Onsite Gallery, presents its annual Black History Month guest curatorial lecture, Making our Way, featuring Associate Professor and curator Dr. Andrea Fatona, who is the Canada Research Chair, Tier II, in Black Canadian Cultural Production at OCAD U. Her curatorial and research practices are concerned with creating spaces of engagement for Black cultural producers in Canada. Dr. Fatona will be joined by Dr. Joana Joachim. Reserve a spot
Dorothy H. Hoover Library events
Feb. 10, 12:30 to 2 p.m.
113 McCaul St.
The Library Learning Zone will host a button-making, zine-making and collage party to honour Black History Month.
In addition, the OCAD U Library will be posting a "must-read" book list featuring Black authors, as recommended by Dean of Design, Dr. Lesley-Ann Noel.
Are you aware of other Black History Month initiatives taking place on campus? Let us know, contact Communications@ocadu.ca.
Events around Toronto
Feb. 1 to 28, 2026
Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W.
KUUMBA is Toronto’s largest and longest-running Black Futures Month festival. Presented by TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment, this year’s edition celebrates the rich histories, achievements and creative brilliance of Black communities across North America, framed within a dynamic global perspective.
Lecture-Recital Series: A Celebration of Black History through Music
Feb. 5, 2026, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Online and in-person
Walter Hall Edward, Johnson Building
Faculty of Music, University of Toronto, 80 Queens Park
Join Dr. Trineice Robinson-Martin, visiting Guest Scholar, Clinician, and Performer (Berklee College of Music), for an immersive evening exploring the heritage, techniques, and styles of Black American music. Registration is required.
A Celebration of Black History Through Music Finale Concert
Feb. 7, 2026, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Online and in-person
Lyric Theatre, Meridian Arts Centre
5040 Yonge St., North York
Students from U of T's Faculty of Music, Toronto School of Theology, and Faculty of Arts & Sciences present a powerful musical journey featuring African American spirituals, traditional and contemporary gospel pieces, and an electrifying gospel rhythm section.
Feb. 11 to 16, 2026
Online and in-person
Various locations
The festival, presented by TD Bank Group (TD) in collaboration with Global News, showcases the most outstanding and most powerful Black films while creating a space to debate major cultural, social and socio-economic issues.
February 27 to March 1, 2026
300 Borough Dr., Scarborough
The Trending Table offers two opportunities to celebrate and support Black-owned businesses in major shopping malls this month. From trendy fashion to handmade crafts, there is something for everyone.