Black History Month marks 30th year in Canada, with local organizations honouring the occasion

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on February 10, 2026.

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

With 2026 marking 30 years of Black History Month in Canada, Medicine Hat organizations are doing their part to honour the contributions of black people both locally and around the world.

“In Medicine Hat, Black history is made of quiet resilience and extraordinary people who worked hard, crossed borders, broke barriers and built community when the odds weren’t in their favour,” said the City of Medicine Hat in an early February newsletter.

Inside, it highlighted several Hatters of colour from over the years who made their mark on the city, including Mary “Molly” Smith who arrived a cook on a bull train, David Mills, a skilled interpreter present during the signing of Treaty 7 and Prairie legend John Ware.

“This month encourages us to reflect on the experiences of Alberta’s earliest Black pioneers and celebrate the leaders who continue to advance progress, creativity and innovation across our communities today. Black Albertans are central to our cultural, social and economic growth,” said Premier Danielle Smith in a statement regarding the importance of the month.

The Esplanade will host Josephine: A Burlesque Cabaret Dream Play on Feb. 13, a celebration of Josephine Baker, the first African-American international superstar. The performance cabaret, theatre and dance in a one-night-only musical showcasing Baker’s life.

Tickets are still available through the Esplanade website, with the performance surrounding the singer, movie star, Second World War spy, civil rights activist and cultural icon beginning at 7:30 p.m.

“Black history is a struggle. But it’s also brilliance. Music. Movement. Art,” said the city. “And stories that deserve the spotlight.”

Both the Medicine Hat Public Library and Medicine Hat College Library Services have curated a selection of books to uplift black voices and stories for the month, which residents and students can access through both thought-provoking fiction and non-fiction books highlighting the impact of these storytellers on the cultural fabric of the world.

“As we reflect, let us honour and recognize that the history, contributions and aspiration of Black Albertans are woven into the fabric of who we are from the past, present and into the future,” said Smith.

The sentiment was shared by Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture Marc Miller.

“For more than four centuries, Black communities have contributed to Canada’s social, cultural, scientific, academic and economic development,” said Miller.

Miller affirmed that the federal government remains firmly committed to combatting all forms of racism and discrimination against Black people, highlighting the 2024-2028 anti-racism strategy and action plan on combatting hate, which brings together nearly 100 government-wide initiatives.

“I wish everyone an inspirational Black History Month marked by celebration. I encourage everyone to explore and recognize the exceptional contributions of Black people to our country,” said Miller.

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