A time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Black communities in Mississauga and beyond, listen to their stories and learn more about their history and contributions to Canadian society.
February 3, 2025
Throughout the month of February, the City of Mississauga, in partnership with the Black Caucus Alliance, will continue to commemorate Mississauga’s Black community through a variety of programs and events.
All are encouraged to visit the Black History Month webpage, which highlights a variety of learning opportunities and engagement activities designed to deepen the understanding of this important month, some of which include:
- Library author talks, storytelling and book lists
- Music playlists highlighting local Black artists and musicians
- Museum tours
- Community celebrations and events
- Sports and shows
Celebrating Black Excellence Event
The third annual Celebrating Black Excellence event will take place on Friday, February 28, 2025 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Mississauga City Hall. The event will include performances, keynote speakers and an awards ceremony. If you know someone deserving of a Black Excellence Award, please take a moment to submit a nomination – which will be accepted until Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
The community is invited to take part in the conversation and more importantly, learn and develop a deeper understanding of the history of people of African descent in Canada and Mississauga. For more information, visit the webpage.
Background
Discover more about the actions the City is taking to engage Black community members in decision-making processes, ensuring that programs and services are equitable and inclusive for all residents.
- First Steps: A Community-Driven Report on Making Mississauga More Equitable for Black Communities was received by Mississauga City Council in April 2022. The City developed a multi-year implementation plan and tracking mechanism for the 36 recommendations in the City’s purview. The City is well on its way to implementing the recommendations with:
- 7 initiatives completed prior to the roadmap
- 18 initiatives implemented and operational
- 4 initiatives in progress
- 11 initiatives are either awaiting initiation and/or require further planning
- Mississauga’s Black Community Engagement sessions helped inform the First Steps report through the recommendations, ideas and the lived experiences of hundreds of community members.
- Anti-Black and Indigenous Racism – Resolution 207: The City of Mississauga recognizes that racism, and in particular anti-Black racism and discrimination is a crisis in our community that requires immediate and sustained attention.
- International Decade for People of African Descent – Resolution 0039-2022: The City of Mississauga joins the global community in recognizing 2015 to 2024 as the International Decade for People of African Descent.
- In 2021, the House of Commons officially designated August 1 as Emancipation Day. Each year, the City of Mississauga raises the Pan-African flag and lights the City Hall clock tower red, black and green to recognize this important day.
