Black history month 2026
In celebration of Black History Month 2026, Becoming Blueprints of Legacy reminds us that Black history is more than something we look back on, it’s something we’re building right now. In this present moment, our choices, care for one another, and acts of courage become the foundation that future generations can follow. This theme invites us to celebrate the students, staff, faculty and community organizations that are paving the way for tomorrow and not only connect, reflect, and recognize the role we play in shaping what comes next, but actively embody the people we want to see daily.
This year’s theme:
Becoming Blueprints of Legacy
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Becoming reminds us that legacy is not fixed or finished. It’s active, ongoing, and shaped in real time. We are constantly learning, unlearning, healing, and growing and responding to the moment we’re in while imagining what’s possible next. Becoming honours process over perfection and recognizes that who we are today is part of what we’re building for tomorrow.
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A blueprint is the framework that guides what comes next. Our individual blueprints are formed through everyday choices, relationships, and ways of showing up. When placed alongside one another, they reveal the story of our community. This invites us to slow down and consider what our actions are building, knowing that intentional design creates legacies future generations can recognize, learn from, and expand.
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Legacy is more than what we leave behind—it’s what we practice now. It lives in our actions, relationships, advocacy, and care for one another. Legacy is built in everyday moments, passed through community, and carried forward by those who come after us. It asks us to be intentional about how we shape the present, knowing it becomes the foundation for the future.
This year’s theme celebrates students, faculty, staff and alumni as “architects of possibility”. It asks us all to think about what it means to be the blueprint for future generations? Through wellness, creativity, and purpose-driven work, we redefine what success, joy, success and excellence looks like for ourselves now and the next wave of changemakers.
Black History Month Kick-Off
At the beginning of each February, we celebrate the start of Black History Month with a Kick-Off event. Our events contain entertainment from powerful poetry and live musical performances to incredible student artists. Take a look at some highlights from our previous events!
Black Student Associations & Clubs At Sheridan
Sheridan’s Black Students Association is a group of Black students and allies who aim to promote black excellence and representation across Sheridan.
2026 Creative Reflection Contest
Amplifying Sheridan Voices
Celebrate Black History Month at Sheridan’s Campus Bookstore
This February, stop by your campus store and join us in honoring Black voices, creativity, and culture. Explore a curated collection of inspiring reads from Canadian Black authors like Dionne Brand, along with engaging children’s books that spark imagination.
BHM Ways To Get Involved
Black-Owned Business You Can Support
Is there a local black-owned business you’d like to see collaborate with the Black Excellence Steering Committee? We’re always looking to put you on to business and share deals when we can. Complete the form if a business comes to mind!
Continuing To Learn
This month is a reminder to seek support when we need it. We know that the lived experiences of Black students, their families and their friends are unique, and the challenges faced can be overwhelming at times. Anti-racism demands real, structural change. As a learning institution, it is our role to provide create a safe and inclusive space for our community to learn, grow, and have vital conversations. It is our responsibility to advocate for the safety and well-being of our community members, and lead by example with action. Take a look at Sheridan’s Library Guide and more book recommendations here:
Illustrated black history: honouring the iconic and the unseen
Illustrated Black History is a breathtaking collection of original portraits depicting black heroes—both famous and unsung—who made their mark on activism, science, politics, business, medicine, technology, food, arts, entertainment, and more. Each entry includes a lush drawing or painting by artist George McCalman, along with an insightful essay summarizing the person’s life story.
Available at all book stores.
my grandma’s hands
In this groundbreaking book, therapist Resmaa Menakem examines the damage caused by racism in America from the perspective of trauma and body-centered psychology. The body is where our instincts reside and where we fight, flee, or freeze, and it endures the trauma inflicted by the ills that plague society. Menakem argues this destruction will continue until we learn to heal the generational anguish of white supremacy, which is deeply embedded in all our bodies.
Available at all book stores.
unsettling the great white north black canadian history
Unsettling the Great White North highlights the diverse experiences of persons of African descent within the chronicles of Canada’s past. This book considers histories and theoretical framings to chart the mechanisms of exclusion and marginalization in "multicultural" Canada and to situate Black Canadians as speakers as agents of their own lives.
Available at all book stores.
Support Each Other in our Journey
A crisis or traumatic event can trigger overwhelming emotional responses. People are impacted and respond to these events in different ways. There is no reason to suffer in silence. We encourage anyone who is struggling to seek professional help.
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Any students seeking comfort and support are able to access Counselling Services by calling The Centre for Student Success at:
Davis Campus: (905) 459 -7533 ext. 5400
Hazel McCallion Campus: (905) 459 - 7533 ext. 2528
Trafalgar Road Campus: (905) 845 - 9430 ext. 2557You can also email askanadvisor@sheridancollege.ca to make an appointment with a Counsellor.
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Sheridan Student Union Health and Dental coverage includes Empower Me, which allows students to connect with qualified counsellors, consultants, and life coaches for a variety of issues.
As a Sheridan student, you are entitled to sessions delivered in person, by telephone, by video-counselling, or by e-counselling.
Contact them at their toll free number, 1-844-741-6389 or visit the Empower Me Login page.