30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries

“Black history is not just for Black people. Black history is Canadian history.” – The Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine

Black History Month honours the achievements, contributions, and resilience of Black communities in Canada. The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister for Official Languages, recently unveiled the 2026 theme: “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.”

Today we celebrate our JLT friend and supporter, the Honourable Dr. Jean Augustine. As the first Black female Member of Parliament, she introduced the motion for Canada to officially recognize February as Black History Month and got it passed in 1995.

Dr. Augustine has demonstrated leadership in education, politics, and community service for decades. Junior League of Toronto members have been lucky to learn from Dr. Augustine as she has graciously spoken to our members at JLT training events in 2010 and 2020.

Dr. Augustine’s legacy continues through the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment, a charitable organization dedicated to empowering girls and young women in Etobicoke-Lakeshore and is designed to maximize the potential of girls and young women ages 7 -17 with a curriculum that allows them to feel capable and confident.

We honour and thank the Honourable Dr. Augustine today for her steadfastness and leadership.

The Junior League of Toronto remains committed to promoting equity and inclusion. Together, let’s celebrate, educate, and work toward meaningful change.

Black History Month 2025

Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations

This Black History Month, the Junior League of Toronto honours the achievements, contributions, and resilience of Black women leaders throughout history. 

The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, has announced this year’s theme: “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.”

To this end, every Friday this February, we will feature Black Canadian women leaders who have made a positive impact on society.

The JLT remains committed to promoting equity and inclusion in our community and beyond. Together, let’s celebrate, educate, and work toward meaningful change.

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