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Every day, our community at the 91ֱ�� works with intention to support all our Black-identified community members. This is especially the case during Black History Month.

Much of this goes to our academic mission – of providing teaching and research while offering high quality learning and research opportunities for all students, and a safe and stimulating working environment. So, as we reflect and   celebrate Black History Month, we wanted to provide an easy resource for members who wanted to navigate Black History Month programming.

Please look at what is on offer. If there is anything missing, please contact us at oiseut.communications@utoronto.ca 

Events

Second Annual Black Education Symposium 2026
Date: Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: OISE Library
Website: /home/cbse/events/01-27-26-second-annual-black-education-symposium-2026 

Under the theme “Affirming Blackness in Academia: Past, Present & Future,” this second annual summit – hosted by the Centre for Black Studies in Education (CBSE) – is a day of reflection, celebration, and forward visioning centered on Black experiences in academia. The day features several panel discussions – including OISE faculty, students, alumni, and community members – a book launch, and the unveiling of Ubuntu Plaques which unveils the Ubuntu Fund, which supports six ongoing projects at the CBSE.

Rooted in Community: A Black History & Futures Celebration
Date: February 6, 2026
Time: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: OISE Nexus Lounge
Website: /about/events/02-06-26-rooted-community-black-history-futures-celebration 

The Master of Teaching Black Educators’ Association (MTBEA) is delighted to invite you to Rooted in Community, a Black History and Futures Celebration honoring culture, creativity, and connection.
Join us for a vibrant celebration featuring live performances by talented members of our community, highlighting the voices, stories, and artistry that make our shared space so meaningful. Guests will also enjoy delicious food prepared by Chef Hassan, bringing warmth, flavor, and togetherness to the evening. Alongside performances and food, there will be time to connect, reflect, and build community with one another.

Yoruba Worldsense as Black Livingness & Worldmaking: Critical Contributions to Decolonizing Research and Pedagogy
Date: Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026
Time: 5:00-6:30 pm
Location: Centre for Black Studies in Education - 2nd Floor, 252 Bloor St. West 
Website:  

The Centre for Black Studies in Education is hosting its monthly Black faculty–student research gathering this February and invites graduate students and faculty to an engaging evening of scholarship, dialogue, and community. Featuring Professor Temitope Adefarakan, the session will explore “Yoruba Worldsense as Black Livingness & Worldmaking: Critical Contributions to Decolonizing Research and Pedagogy,” offering critical insights into decolonial research and teaching practices. Attendees will gain valuable insights, take part in a dedicated Q&A, and network with members of the CBSE community. The gathering will conclude with time to mix, mingle, and enjoy dinner together in community.

Call for submissions: Black History Month student research showcase
Date: January 25, 2026
Location: OISE library
Website:  

This Black History Month, the OISE Library is proud to spotlight the research and scholarship of Black students at OISE. Selected participants will be featured in interviews sharing their research projects and the inspiration behind their work, celebrating their contributions as emerging educators and researchers. These features will be showcased throughout February via a library blog post, OISE Library social media, and an in-library slideshow display.

U of T Black History Month luncheon 2026
Date: February 26, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Hart House Great Hall
Organizer: Division of University Advancement and supported by Hart House 
Website:  

This is one of the marquee Black History Month events at the University of Toronto. Taking place in the Hart House Great Hall, a shared lunch features guest speakers, musical and spoken word talent. Past guest speakers include, in recent years, The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Tracy Moore, TV host and EDI advocate, and Andre De Grasse, Olympic Gold medalist. This year, the luncheon will recognize and honour Wes Hall, University of Toronto Chancellor, entrepreneur and CBC television staple.

The Annual Black History Month Lecture: Dr. Howard W. French on The Second Emancipation
Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Time: 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Venue: William Doo Auditorium New College
Organizer: U of T Department of History
Website:   

U of T’s department of history annual lecture features Howard W. French, a professor at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. He will explore his argument that Africa had a pivotal role in shaping world history – according to his recent book, The Second Emancipation: Nkrumah, Pan-Africanism, and Global Blackness at High Tide (2025).

Afrofuturism and Human Rights Law: An Invitation To Speculate
Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026
Time: 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Jackman Humanities Building, J125
Organizer: The Black Law Students’ Association at Jackman Law 
Website:  

The Black Law Students’ Association at Jackman Law is honoured to host Njeri Damali Sojourner-Campbell for a Black History Month event exploring the intersection of Afrofuturism and human rights law. BLSA is delighted to welcome her for an engaging discussion in which she will share her insights and perspectives on the evolution, present state, and future of human rights law as it relates to Black communities.

Funding supports

Olive Moxam Indigenous Bursary
Status/Recipient Award: $1,000 to $2,000 
Website:   

The Olive Moxam Indigenous Bursary aims to highlight the Indigenous peoples of the Caribbean, specifically the Taíno — communities that are invisible despite there being a large Indigenous population in Latin America and the Caribbean.

This bursary will support Indigenous, Black and Taíno students in OISE’s Master of Teaching program. Recipients will receive between $1,000 to $2,000 to support their education and dreams of becoming an educator. OISE will match every dollar contributed to this fund, up to $25,000, which means your gift today will have double the impact.

Learn more about this bursary: /about/news/03-15-21-oise-alumna-establishes-bursary-indigenous-first-nations-metis-and-inuit-black  

Centre for Black Studies in Education Fund
Website:    

These funds will support the initiatives and programs of the Centre for Black Studies in Education (CBSE) at OISE.
Your gift will directly support 6 vital projects at the CBSE:

•    Research and Conference Travel Grants
•    Elders in Residence Initiative
•    Annual Black Leadership Summer Institute
•    Black Futures K-12 Initiative
•    Black Queer Summit
•    Support for Black Future Educators Action Research Knowledge Mobilization

These initiatives provide academic enrichment and spaces of belonging, healing, and possibility.

Black Excellence Education Initiative
  

At OISE, we firmly believe that education is one of the most powerful weapons against racism, and our dedicated faculty and students are leading the way in the fight against systemic anti-Black racism in our communities. This fund supports Black students who are pursuing research on anti-Black racism – by removing obstacles to their success.

The OISE Alumni Association (OISEAA) Doctoral Fellowship
Recipient award: $10,000
Website: /alumni-friends/doctoral-fellowship   

This Fellowship is a $10,000 award – generously established by the OISE Alumni Association – honours and supports our Institute's full-time doctoral candidates who have contributed to the association through volunteer activities.