Black History Month

This February, join us for a variety of free and ticketed programs and events in celebration of Black History Month. Check out artwork on display at the Cultural Centre, watch a film in the John Elliott Theatre, or attend family-friendly programming at the Halton Hills Public Library.

2026 Black History Month Proclamation

Artist Talk with Komi Olaf

John Elliott Theatre

February 3, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Komi Olaf is a visual artist, writer, and poet born in Kaduna, Nigeria. His paintings are known for utilizing metaphor, symbolism, and cultural commentary to address ideas of decolonization through the lens of Afrofuturism. This artistic and cultural movement examines African culture and its intersection with present and future technologies.

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Komi Olaf, Binta

Afrofuturism - Embers of Solitude

On view in the Upper Sisnett Lobby

February 2 to March 1, 2026

Discover the work of Komi Olaf, a visual artist, writer, and poet born in Kaduna, Nigeria. His paintings use metaphor, symbolism, and cultural commentary to explore themes of decolonization through Afrofuturism, an artistic movement that reimagines African culture in relation to present and future technologies.

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Komi Olaf, Across the Border

Swashbuckling Heroines and High Seas Adventures with Novelist Vanessa Riley

Online Event

February 5, 7:00 p.m.

Join us for an unforgettable experience as we chat online with Vanessa Riley about her newest book, Fire Sword and Sea, based on the folk story of the female pirate Jacquotte Delahaye.

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A person wearing a light pink tweed jacket and white ruffled blouse stands in front of a large book cover. The book displayed is titled Fire, Sword & Sea: A Novel by Vanessa Riley, featuring silhouettes of three figures against a sunset-colored background.

Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic with Dr. Lindsey Stewart

Online Event

February 12, 2:00 p.m.

Celebrate the legacy of America’s founding Black women by joining a talk with feminist philosopher Dr. Lindsey Stewart, discussing the book: The Conjuring of America: a love letter to the real magic Black women used, their herbs, food, textiles, song, and dance, used to sow rebellion, freedom, and hope.

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A person wearing a patterned dress with teal, red, and brown colors is seated against a dark green background, resting their chin on one hand. To the right is the book cover for The Conjuring of America by Lindsey Stewart. The cover features an illustration of a woman in historical clothing surrounded by a large green snake, yellow flowers, and botanical elements. The subtitle reads, “Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic.”

TIFF OnScreen at the JET presents: Samia

John Elliott Theatre

Friday, February 20 at 7:30 p.m.

Based on a true story, this drama of resilience focuses on a Somali runner who defied the odds to make it to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Purchase tickets in-person or online at the John Elliot Theatre Box Office.

Rated PG for course language and violence.

Purchase tickets

The Tiff Film Circuit Logo in black lettering

Movie poster for the film Samia. The design features a person wearing a bright orange headscarf and a blue shirt against a vivid blue background with a subtle ocean scene. The title “SAMIA” appears in large orange letters across the center. Above the figure, the tagline reads “HER STORY TOUCHED MILLIONS,” and there is a film festival laurel indicating selection for Tribeca 2024. At the bottom, two runners are depicted on a beach, with waves and birds in the background. Additional credits for the film appear along the lower edge

Reading Corner: It’s Cool to Read with Newton Vanriel

Halton Hills Public Library, Georgetown Branch

February 28, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Join children’s author Newton Vanriel for an engaging Black History Month storytime featuring a reading of Soul Sistas’ Wannabee, interactive activities, and moments to inspire young readers. Presented in partnership with the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton.

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A colorful cartoon book cover featuring two young children standing in a grassy outdoor scene with trees, flowers, and art supplies around them. Both children wear matching blue dresses with white flowers and sandals. One child has curly red hair with barrettes, and the other has curly dark hair decorated with pink bows. Surrounding them are illustrated objects representing different areas, including a magnifying glass, hammer, chef’s hat, stethoscope, paint palette, and a book. The title at the top reads “The Adventures of the Soul Sistas ‘Wannabee!’” in bright, playful lettering.

Resources

Featured in branch displays can be found at the Acton and Georgetown Library branches
Explore our online exhibit about local hero Henry Thomas Shepherd
Engage with this lecture on HHPL’s YouTube channel: Tracing Black Lives in Guelph, 1890 - 1945
Engage with this lecture on HHPL’s YouTube channel: Enslavement in Early Ontario, 1760 - 1834
Enjoy this One Book, One Halton Hills author visit on HHPL’s YouTube channel: An Evening with Jael Richardson
To explore HHPL’s resources or to borrow and read books about culture, race, Black lives and anti-racism, please visit the Library catalogue.

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