Black History Month

This February, celebrate Black History Month at Hamilton Public Library and explore the histories, contributions and achievements of Black communities in Hamilton and across Canada. Join us for free events featuring live music, author talks, workshops and community celebrations that highlight Black creativity, culture and knowledge.

Events

Live Music Throughout February

Enjoy live music at branches across the city as part of Black History Month. Performances take place at Central Library and neighbourhood branches, featuring a range of artists and styles.

Noon Hour Concerts at Central Library
Listen to live music every Friday at noon:

February 6 – Sabian Crosswell Trio (bass, drums, piano)
February 20 – Jackie Washington Day tribute concert with Harrison Kennedy and Jesse O’Brien
February 27 – Big John and The Nite Trippers

Live Music at Branches

February 9 – BLK ORCHID, multi-instrumentalist (Saltfleet Branch)
February 13 – Dionne R. Grant piano, voice (Terryberry Branch)
February 14 – Terry Rhodes, voice (Waterdown Branch)
February 25 – Dionne R. Grant, keyboard, voice (Valley Park Branch)
February 27 – Michaela Mathurin, voice (Concession Branch)

Author Talk: Antonio Michael Downing
Thursday February 19, 2026
6:30pm–7:30pm, Central Library

Join award-winning writer and broadcaster Antonio Michael Downing for a live reading and conversation about his debut novel Black Cherokee. Downing will be joined by editor and writer Alicia Cox Thomson for a discussion followed by audience questions. Borrow the book from the HPL catalogue and be part of the conversation.

African Knowledge in Action with Michelle Bonsu
Saturday February 28
1:00pm–3:00pm, Central Library

Explore African knowledge systems in this interactive, conversation-based workshop with Michelle Bonsu. Learn about the differences between African and Western ways of knowing and how African wisdom can be applied to everyday life. Michelle Bonsu is a Ghanaian cultural worker and the creator of Asase Ba, an educational platform celebrating African stories and knowledge.

See our complete list of Black History Month Events.

Books and Media

Celebrate Black voices all year through HPL’s collections of books, music, movies and educational activities.

Books for Adults

Film

Movies and Documentaries on Kanopy

We Are Hamilton – Black History Remembered

The 2026 honorees are Ona Allen (1925-2025), Hamilton's first Black nurse, who worked for nearly four decades at Hamilton General Hospital. Dr. Anthony MacFarlane (1937-2025) was a physician, scholar and champion of Caribbean history. Learn more about the 19 past honorees' impacts on the City of Hamilton’s Black History Month webpage. The Hamilton Black History Council, in partnership with Black-led organizations and the City of Hamilton, recognize Black Hamiltonians for their outstanding contributions.