Celebrating Black History Month
Explore collections from CBC Gem, Listen, Books and more
February is Black History Month — a time where we celebrate the many achievements that Black Canadians have contributed to Canada's history and culture.
Read on to learn more about all the programming you can enjoy this month, and beyond.
In your community
Being Black in Canada
Highlighting the stories and experiences of Black Canadians year-round, Being Black in Canada provides a breadth of content celebrating the culture and achievements of Canada's Black communities while also offering a window into their struggles.
Being Black in Canada at the Olympic Games
CBC Gem, CBC Sports, CBC News Network, Feb. 5, 9:30 p.m. ET
Tamika Forrester sits down with Black Canadian athletes to discuss what it means to be representing more than just your country on the world's biggest stage at the Olympic Winter Games.
Being Black in Canada: My Journey Here
Canada Tonight, CBC Gem. CBC News Network, Feb, 26, 9:30 p.m. ET
Black Canadian immigrants share the joys and obstacles on their paths to Black excellence. From their first steps in Canada to the moments that shaped their lives. These are their journeys here.
WATCH | CBC Gem
The Porter | Drama | Feb. 21, 9 p.m. / 9:30 NT on CBC Gem and CBC Television
Exclusive Canadian Premiere
Set in the early 1920s and inspired by real events, THE PORTER follows train porters Junior Massey and Zeke Garrett, Junior's wife Marlene, and upstart performer Lucy, as a tragedy in the community sets them on starkly different paths to a better life. Starring Aml Ameen (I May Destroy You, Yardie), Ronnie Rowe Jr. (Star Trek: Discovery, Pretty Hard Cases), Mouna Traoré (Self Made, The Umbrella Academy), Loren Lott (American Idol, Tag), Olunike Adeliyi (Titans, American Gods) and Alfre Woodard.
Patty vs Patty | Documentary | Feb. 22
A CBC Gem Original
This CBC Gem original documentary revisits Toronto's bizarre "Patty Wars" of February 1985, when Canadian federal food inspectors suddenly deemed the beef patties that Jamaicans are familiar with to have been illegally named "patty".
The Black Church: This is Our Story, This is Our Song | Documentary
An intimate four-hour series from Henry Louis Gates, Jr. (Finding Your Roots), THE BLACK CHURCH: THIS IS OUR STORY, THIS IS OUR SONG explores the 400-year-old story of the Black church in America, the changing nature of worship spaces, and the men and women who shepherded them from the pulpit, the choir loft, and church pews.
Black Panthers: Vanguard of the Revolution | Documentary
The first feature-length documentary to explore the Black Panther Party, its significance to broader American culture, its cultural and political awakening for Black people, and the painful lessons wrought when a movement derails.
Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise | Documentary
This film weaves Maya Angelou's words with rare and intimate archival photographs and videos, which paint hidden moments of her exuberant life during some of America's most defining moments.
Black Boys | Documentary
Speaking with an array of figures – ranging from educators, athletes, journalists, activists, parents, and youth – this documentary explores the body, mind, voice, and heart of Black boys and the double edged sword of having to build up their own self worth while knowing the world is not built for them.
The Voice of Freedom | Documentary
On Easter Sunday, 1939, contralto Marian Anderson stepped up to a microphone in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Inscribed on the walls of the monument behind her were the words "all men are created equal." The film interweaves Anderson's rich life story with this landmark moment in history.
Conviction: The Case of Stephen Lawrence | Documentary
A gripping tale about the conviction of two suspects in Britain's most infamous murder. An investigation beset by hostility, obstruction and sabotage exposed astonishing levels of complacency, racism and corruption within the UK's largest police force, taking 18 years to reach a conviction.
Muhammad Ali | Documentary series
This series brings to life one of the most indelible figures of the 20th century: a three-time heavyweight boxing champion who captivated millions of fans across the world with his mesmerizing combination of speed, grace, and power in the ring, and charm and playful boasting outside of it.
LISTEN | CBC Music
Music of Black origin encompassing a fluid mosaic of styles. The Block is about culture and community. Repping the elements of hip hop from its roots to its far reaching influence.
Frequencies | CBC Listen. Tuesday 6 p.m/Sunday 4 p.m. on CBC Music
Tune in to music from around the world and in Canada with stories that revolve around the experiences of Canadians of colour and immigrants who are maintaining and adapting their culture.
The Intro | CBC Listen. CBC Gem
A talk show that brings Canada's best emerging artists to the forefront. For Black History Month, Montreal artist Ouri is featured on Feb 2 and Toronto artist Charmaine on Feb 16.
LISTEN | CBC Podcasts
The Secret Life of Canada
The history podcast about the country you know and the stories you don't, reveals things you don't know about Black Canadian history in several episodes throughout the series.
This is not a Drake Podcast
Breaking down seminal moments in Drake's career to explore the broader history and evolution of hip-hop, R&B, gender dynamics, and Black culture.
Mic Drop - TANEIA brings Black Lives Matter to school
After George Floyd's death, Mikaeel is urging her school to discuss Black history—and racism—all year, not just in February.
PlayME
Upcoming play Controlled Damage is about civil rights icon Viola Desmond. Coming to your podcast feed in early February.
Out of the Sun: On Race and Storytelling
In the 2021 CBC Massey Lectures, award-winning novelist Esi Edugyan thinks we need to rediscover our "ghosts," those whose stories are ignored in the writing of history. She says the past is more complicated than perhaps we want to believe, and it's always open to question.
READ | CBC Books
7 Black Canadian writers to watch in 2022 | CBC Books
In honour of Black History Month, CBC Books has selected 25 notable books by Black Canadian authors and has also highlighted seven Black Canadian writers who are making their mark. Visit CBC Books for top picks and interviews throughout the month of February.
8 must-read Canadian nonfiction works for Black History Month
These eight works of nonfiction provide historical, social and political context on the Black Canadian experience.
Have you visited CBC's Being Black In Canada website? A space for news, documentaries, arts and more. celebrating Black people and their incredible stories. You'll find everything from interviews, insights, Black culture and conversation.
