City of Laval marks Black History Month 2026 with month-long cultural and civic programming
The City of Laval is highlighting Black History Month throughout February 2026 with a series of cultural, educational and civic activities recognizing the contributions of Black communities to local life.
The programming aligns with the 35th edition of Black History Month in Quebec, coordinated at the provincial level by the Table ronde du Mois de l’histoire des Noirs, under the theme “Let’s Raise Our Voices Together.” According to the City, the initiative aims to celebrate diversity while creating spaces for dialogue, reflection and community engagement.
The City of Laval stated that the month provides an opportunity to acknowledge both the historical legacy and the ongoing role of Black communities in shaping present-day Laval.
Municipal events scheduled throughout February
According to the City, activities will take place across multiple municipal venues during the month.
On February 6 at the Bois-Papineau Pavilion, a citizen pathway event will focus on the personal and civic journey of Adler Louis-Jean, highlighting connections between Haiti and Quebec.
On February 7, the Gabrielle-Roy Library will host a workshop for participants aged 13 and over on crafting a lamp from a calabash, an activity exploring traditional knowledge, memory and Afro-descendant cultural practices.
A public fair and discussion forum titled “Let’s Raise Our Voices” is scheduled for February 14 at Salle l’Avenir. The event is intended to foster dialogue on issues affecting Black communities and to encourage exchanges between residents, organizations and partners.
Family-oriented programming continues on February 15 at the Marius-Barbeau Library with the children’s performance Ô Calebasse, designed for audiences aged four and up.
On February 21, the same library will host a conversation with Fabrice Vil, focusing on equity, leadership and civic participation.
On February 26, the Bureau de Consultation Jeunesse Laval will present an event titled Le Prix de l’Indépendance: Women and Postcolonial Struggles, examining the experiences and contributions of Black women in postcolonial contexts.
The programming continues on February 27 at the Musée de la santé Armand-Frappier with a discussion featuring Bruny Surin and Edgar Gousse, addressing themes of perseverance, health and achievement.
The month concludes on February 28 at the Exploration Centre of Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles with a closing event titled Through HER: Honouring Your Paths, featuring an immersive cultural activity and the presentation of honorary distinctions to Laval women recognized for their contributions.
The City also noted that additional thematic activities will be offered across the municipal library network throughout February.
A broader historical context
Black History Month is observed annually in February in Canada and traces its origins to 1926, when historian Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week in the United States. According to the City, the commemoration was formally established in Canada in the 1990s to recognize and transmit the contributions of people of African descent that have often been underrepresented in historical narratives.
The Quebec-wide coordination of Black History Month programming is overseen by the Table ronde du Mois de l’histoire des Noirs, which provides a shared framework for activities across the province, including in Laval.
