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Black History Month 2026
February is Black History Month (BHM). At SFU, Black History Month 2026 celebrates the enduring connections and leadership that unite Black students, scholars, staff, and alumni with the wider university community. By weaving together the stories and achievements of those who have led, learned, and inspired across generations, we honour the collective strength and resilience that shape Black excellence and progress, while recognizing the deep interdependence of our shared community. This year, SFU has adopted the theme “Interwoven Existence: Weaving Our Stories, Leading Across Time.”
Our community is enriched by the countless threads of leadership, advocacy, and creativity contributed by Black students, scholars, staff, and alumni. We invite all SFU members to learn more about Black communities in Canada and the ways they continue to help shape both SFU and the country as a whole.
This year’s national theme is “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.” The year 2026 marks three decades since Black History Month was officially recognized in Canada, thanks to the Honourable Jean Augustine, whom SFU was privileged to host in February 2023 for our institutional Black History Month event. This anniversary milestone invites us to celebrate Black excellence, reflect on both triumphs and ongoing challenges and recognize that Black history is Canadian history.
Join us throughout February as we recognize Black excellence, culture, and leadership through events and initiatives at SFU and in our local community. Below, you’ll find opportunities to participate and learn more.
Be sure to check this page throughout the month as we add new events and additional updates.
Attend an SFU Event
Community Kitchen: A celebration of Black Cuisine and Culture
Feb. 5 | East Residence Kitchen | Residence and Housing| 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
A special Black History Month event hosted by Student Services in collaboration with Student Residence. Participants will explore and celebrate the rich flavours and stories that define African and Caribbean cuisine. Join us as we savour not only the food but also the history and traditions that shape this incredible culinary heritage.
Student Day, Black Student Centre: Open House
Feb. 6 | Black Student Centre | Maggie Benston Centre | 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
This event marks the exciting soft launch of SFU’s Black Student Centre, a vital space dedicated to uplifting and empowering Black students throughout their social, academic, and cultural journeys. Attendees will be inspired by student speakers and vibrant cultural performances that celebrate the richness of Black heritage, while also learning about the resources and community available at the Centre.
Community Kitchen: A celebration of Black Cuisine and Culture
Feb. 12 | Black Student Centre | Maggie Benston Centre | 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
A special Black History Month event hosted by Student Services. Participants will explore and celebrate the rich flavours and stories that define African and Caribbean cuisine. Join us as we savour not only the food but also the history and traditions that shape this incredible culinary heritage.
Hogan’s Alley: A Legacy Interrupted, A Future Reimagined
Feb. 17 | Gibson Art Museum | SFU Burnaby Campus | 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
This event explores the historical and cultural significance of Hogan’s Alley, Vancouver’s once-thriving Black community. Bringing together Black community leaders, the panel will examine the legacy of displacement, highlight efforts to reclaim space and memory, and foster dialogue that connects past injustices to current movements for cultural preservation and community-led development. Through storytelling and reflection, the event honours Hogan’s Alley’s rich history and centers Black voices in shaping the future.
Sustaining Hope, The Ongoing Journey of Black Inclusion in Higher Education
Feb. 19 | First People’s Gathering House | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Join Dr. Wisdom Tettey, chair of the Scarborough Charter Inter-Institutional Forum and President and Vice-Chancellor of Carleton University, and Dr. Yabome Gilpin-Jackson, Vice-President, People, Equity and Inclusion at SFU for a candid conversation on advancing Black inclusion in Canadian universities. Opening remarks will be made by Dr. Joy Johnson, President and Vice-Chancellor of SFU.
Celebrating Black History Month Through Food: Flavours of the Caribbean
Feb. 26 | SFU Dining Commons| 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Join us for a showcase featuring Chef Cullin David, a Vancouver-born executive chef known for his unique blend of Caribbean heritage and classic French techniques. Chef Cullin is celebrated for bringing authentic Caribbean cuisine and culture to Vancouver. His delicious recipes will be prepared for students, faculty, staff, and the public to enjoy, highlighting the richness and diversity of Black culinary traditions through Caribbean food. No registration required. Simply join us at the SFU Dining Commons. Included in meal plans or spring door rates apply.