Coming together to celebrate Black history & excellence
Black History Month is a time to celebrate and learn about the important contributions of Black Canadians and their communities – contributions that have helped shape Canada into the culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous nation it is today. This year, the Town of Aurora has again partnered with the Aurora Black Community Association (ABC) to bring residents and the community exciting opportunities throughout February and beyond to learn and celebrate Aurora’s Black community and our diverse and rich cultures.
2025 Programming & Event Schedule
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Pan-African Flag Raising Ceremony – January 31, 2025 |
Join the Town of Aurora and ABC on January 31 to kickoff Black History Month with a Pan-African flag raising at Aurora Town Hall. After the flag raising, community members can also partake in an evening of conversation, reflection and delicious food inside of Council Chambers. To learn more and RSVP, visit the Flag Raising Event Page |
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Black History Street Banners – February 15 to April 18, 2025 |
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Learn more about local Black history through our street pole banners displayed around Aurora that recognize Black Canadians who have made an impact in our community. Snap a photo of the banners, post it to social tagging ABC, and you’ll be entered to win exciting prizes! |
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Community in Action: Door/Window Decoration – February 1 to February 28, 2025 |
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Show your community spirit and honour Black History Month by decorating your door or window! Let’s celebrate together with creativity and purpose, inspired by the theme: “One Love, One Heart – Acknowledging Our Worth and Rising Together.” Here’s how to participate:Pick a historical figure, symbol, musical piece, or even a culinary dish that highlights the rich traditions of the Black community. For example: create a display featuring Martin Luther King Jr. that could include a photo cutout with words from his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. You can also incorporate Pan-African colours (red, black, and green). Get creative: Use materials like posters, artwork, flags, and decorations to make your display bold and meaningful. Showcase your work: Our ABC Board Members will visit to take photos of decorated doors and windows. Don’t forget to share your displays online and tag us. Instagram: @aurorablackcommunity_abc, Facebook: @auroraworkingtogether On February 28, the community will vote for their favourites, but all participants will receive a free ticket to the Black History Month Gala in April. The top 3 displays will receive special gifts as an extra thank you for joining in this celebration to honour our Canadian history. 🏆 Air Canada Travel Voucher Let’s come together to celebrate Black History, creativity, and community spirit! |
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Celebrating African Cuisine – February 15, 2025 |
Join for a live cooking demonstration at the Aurora Public Library celebrating African cuisine, led by Chef Patience, a talented chef originally from Zimbabwe. Chef Patience is not only a culinary artist but also a recipe developer, culinary instructor, and food and wine pairing expert, showcasing a wide array of skills. For more information and to register, visit the APL Event Page. |
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Paint & Sip – February 22, 2025 |
Join us for an unforgettable Paint & Sip night at Aurora Town Square on Saturday, February 22, from 3-6 PM! This year’s theme, "ONE LOVE, ONE HEART – RISE TOGETHER," celebrates unity, creativity, and community. This afternoon/evening event will be filled with music, good vibes, and fun painting – the perfect creative moment before your Saturday dinner plans! Complimentary wine will be provided to set the mood as you unleash your inner artist. No experience needed – just bring your energy and let the creativity flow! Spots are limited, so don’t miss out! To learn more and RSVP, visit the Paint & Sip Event Page. |
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Black History Gala – April 11, 2025 |
Reserve your early bird tickets now for our Black History Gala taking place on April 11, 2025. This year’s Gala theme is “One Love, One Heart – Acknowledging Our Worth and Rising Together.” Hosting the gala in April allows us to extend Black History recognition beyond February, reaffirming that Black history is profoundly woven into the fabric of our collective identity. This intentional change honours Black history authentically – not just because it’s February, but because it’s an integral part of Canada’s shared story. See you in April! To reserve your tickets, visit the Gala Event Page. Learn More For more details on any of these events and how you can participate, visit the ABC website. Follow ABC on Social:
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Groups and Organizations
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Aurora Black Community Association |
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The Aurora Black Community Association (ABC) creates events and programs to unite the community, with the motto, “One Vision Diverse Voices.” The events and programs offer opportunities for learning through the participation of inclusive experiences. ABC aims to create an empowered environment that bridges different cultures in Aurora, through music, sports & recreation, education, resources, and food.
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Aurora Public Library |
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Aurora Public Library builds community by sparking connections, enriching lives and contributing vibrant spaces for discovery. We offer early literacy programs, vibrant literary and cultural experiences, a creative studio, online learning, extensive print and digital collections, newcomer services and comfortable seating for meeting, collaborating and socializing. Visit us at aurorapl.ca |
What is Black History Month?
Celebrating Black history and achievement in Canada dates to the 1920s. In 1995, Black History Month was officially recognized in Canada after a motion was introduced by the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament.
This February, learn more about Black history in Canada.
If you are interested in having your event included in the Aurora event listing please email us.
Announcement
- See the Black History Month Proclamation on our Proclamations and Flag Raising page
