Canada marks 30th Black History Month as Carney highlights support for Black communities

This year’s theme, “Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations—From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries,” reflects three decades of recognising the role of Black Canadians in shaping the country’s social, cultural and economic life.

In a statement, Carney said Black Canadians have played a vital role in building the nation, from leading global companies to strengthening local businesses and institutions.

He pointed to the government’s decision in October 2025 to provide $189 million to renew the Black Entrepreneurship Program, which has supported more than 24,000 Black entrepreneurs.

Carney also said the government is backing community-based, Black-led initiatives focused on mental health and well-being and reaffirmed its commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable Canada.

Citing figures such as Dr. Jean Augustine, who initiated the recognition of Black History Month in Canada; Dr. Yvette Bonny, a pioneer in haematology who performed Quebec’s first paediatric bone marrow transplant; and Elkin James, a wrestler and artist who co-founded a wrestling school in Toronto, Canada’s cultural minister Mark Miller said their contributions “inspire today’s generations to dream, grow and thrive in Canada.”