UPEI Celebrates Black History Month
Every year in February, UPEI celebrates Black History Month, an opportunity to reflect on the contributions, resilience, triumphs, and the legacy of Black Canadians who have shaped our society. It is also a time to recognize that much more needs to be done to dismantle the systemic barriers that adversely impact Black communities.
The Black Cultural Society of Prince Edward Island’s theme for Black History Month 2026 is “Rooted in Legacy, Rising Together.” This theme honors the organization’s 10th anniversary, celebrating a decade of impact, history, and community progress across the Island.
UPEI will celebrate Black History Month in several ways.
On Saturday, January 31, UPEI Athletics and Recreation will mark Black History Month during the UPEI women’s and men’s basketball games against Acadia University at 6:00 and 8:00 pm respectively at the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre. As part of the celebration, players will warm up in t-shirts recognizing Black History Month.
On Monday, February 2, members of the campus community are invited to join the UPEI Student Union, the Black Cultural Society, and the African Student Association at the raising of the Pan-African flag at the flag plaza near Kelley Memorial Building at 11:00 am. A reception with local food vendors will follow at 12:30 pm in McMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Student Centre. All are welcome.
On Monday, February 9, there will be a movie screening from 6:00 to 9:00 pm in Duffy Science Centre, Room 135 (movie to be determined).
On Monday, February 23, a Cultural Showcase and Student Market will be held from 6:00 to 9:00 pm in McMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Student Centre. This event will provide students and student groups the opportunity to showcase any form of art such as poetry, dancing, singing, or a presentation. The UPEI Student Union is also looking for vendors to sell goods during this event, with a dedicated space to sell baked goods, crafts, clothing, etc. The sign-up form is attached here.
The Robertson Library invites the campus community to check out a book on Black Canadians in history, education, or literature, or find e-books and other online resources in OneSearch.
All members of the campus community are encouraged to explore the library’s learning resources available through UPEI’s partnership with the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI), such as “Racism and anti-Black racism” and “Navigating race in Canadian workplaces.”
The Black Cultural Society celebrates Black History Month with an excellent lineup of events. Please visit the society’s website or visit their Facebook page for more information.
