From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries |
|
BSO joins the Government of Canada’s 2026 Black History Month Gala to recognize the people and stories that shaped the past and are building the future. |
|
This February, BSO was honoured to attend the Government of Canada’s official Black History Month 2026 celebration, hosted by The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, on Wednesday, February 4, 2026. This year’s theme, 30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries, celebrated the lasting contributions, leadership, and achievements of Black Canadians and communities. The evening featured powerful performances and speeches recognizing Black prominence. |
|
(L-R Marina Mathieu, Stefan Verna; Prime Minister Mark Carney; Jean Augustine) |
|
BSO at the Liberal Black Caucus Black History Month Networking Reception |
|
(Photo Credit: Black Screen Office, Reception attendees, 2026) |
|
In addition, the Liberal Black Caucus generously hosted a Black History Month Networking Reception in Ottawa, creating a welcoming space for connection, reflection, and celebration. The afternoon brought together Black leaders from across the country, people doing meaningful work in many different fields, who gathered not just to network, but to genuinely connect and learn from one another. Among those in attendance was Joan Jenkinson, Chief Executive Officer of the BSO, who shared how impactful the experience was for her. “Everyone in the room was someone I wanted to meet,” she said, capturing the spirit of the gathering. The reception made room for thoughtful conversations and new relationships, while showcasing the depth, talent, and leadership within Black communities shaping Canada’s cultural, economic, and public life. Overall, the event truly reflected the spirit of Black History Month, honouring achievement, fostering collaboration, and looking ahead with optimism. Guests left feeling energized, inspired, and hopeful about what can be built together moving forward. |
|
(L-R Candies Kotchapaw, Michael Brown; Agapi Gessesse; Keziah Myers, Tapfuma Musewe) |
|
Liberal Black Caucus - Black History Month Roundtable on Arts & Culture with Minister Marc Miller |
|
(Photo Credit: Black Screen Office, Roundtable Participants, 2026) |
|
On Thursday, February 5, a select group of Black leaders participated in a Black History Month Roundtable on Arts & Culture convened by the Liberal Black Caucus and hosted by the Honourable Marc Miller. Gathered at the roundtable were Black leaders, creatives, and cultural practitioners for a focused discussion on the realities of working in Canada’s arts and culture sector. Key themes included the lack of sustainable funding for Black arts and culture organizations and the need to strengthen pipelines for Black professionals to access decision-making roles. “This was a very important first step for us to connect, share, but more importantly, create a forum to collectively continue the work,” says Marsha John-Greenwood, VP People & Culture, TIFF. The discussion also explored how federal cultural and heritage programs can better support Black cultural expression and preservation. Guests included dub poetry icon Lillian Allen, Toronto’s Poet Laureate, whose presence underscored the importance of Black artistic leadership in Canada. "We noted the issues raised, including accessibility challenges faced by Black artists in Quebec, barriers to accessing funding, and the need for increased efforts to exhibit Black art and preserve Black history in ways that extend beyond Black History Month. Your contributions reinforced the importance of continually advocating for the sustained visibility, investment, and recognition of Black artistic expression across Canada," said the roundtable team. |
|
(L-R Natilien Joseph, The Honourable Tatiana Auguste, Bienvenue-Oliver Ntumba; Lillian Allen; The Honourable Marc Miller) |
|
57th NAACP Image Awards Spotlight Canada |
|
40 Acres dominates with 5 nominations |
|
Please join us in celebrating 40 Acres and its historic five NAACP Image Award nominations as Black History Month gets off to a powerful start. Produced by Canadian veteran filmmaker Jennifer Holness, partner at Hungry Eyes Media, 40 Acres represents her first NAACP recognition and marks a major milestone as only the second Canadian narrative film to be nominated at the NAACP Image Awards. The film was written and directed by R.T. Thorne, who also makes history as the first Black Canadian director nominated in the Outstanding Director category. These nominations represent Jennifer Holness’ first NAACP recognition and mark 40 Acres as only the second Canadian narrative film to be nominated at the NAACP Image Awards. 40 Acres received nominations in the following categories: - Outstanding Independent Motion Picture
- Outstanding International Picture
- Outstanding Director (R.T. Thorne)
- Outstanding Breakthrough Creative
- Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture (Danielle Deadwyler)
We congratulate the entire cast and creative team on this outstanding achievement. |
|
BSO’s Black Women Directors Accelerator Mentor Troy Scott nominated for Outstanding Directing |
|
The BSO is proud to celebrate Troy Scott on his NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie, Documentary or Special. This recognition reflects not only his exceptional work across television and film, but also his deep commitment to opening doors for others. As a mentor in BSO’s Black Women Directors Accelerator, Troy provides rare on-set access, real-world leadership, and lasting support to emerging Black women directors. His generosity, clarity, and collaborative spirit continue to shape careers and shift the industry forward. At BSO, we believe visibility must come with access, and Troy embodies that belief. Congratulations on this well-deserved honour. Below are the film credits for I’ll Never Let You Go (2025), the project for which Troy received this well-deserved NAACP Image Award nomination: - Director: Troy Scott
- Writer: Alex Wright
- Producer: Bruce Harvey (CMW Autumn Productions Inc.)
- Executive Producers: Meagan Good, Joey Plager
|
|
Black Longevity Nominated for Outstanding Short Form Documentary |
|
Congratulations on the well-deserved NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Short Form Documentary! Black Longevity is a powerful and tender tribute to the wisdom, resilience, and beauty of aging within Black communities. Directed by Geneva Peschka and produced in collaboration with WellWithAll, the film centers the voices of Black elders and centenarians through intimate reflections on joy, legacy, and longevity. We applaud the entire creative team for crafting such a moving and necessary work, one that honours the past while inspiring future generations. The following credits acknowledge the talented creatives behind Black Longevity, whose care and vision brought this beautiful documentary to life:
Director / Writer / Developer: Geneva Peschka
Producer / Developer: Dion Sizzapp Executive Producers: Demond T. Martin, Chulee Lee, Dion Sizzapp Editor / Colorist: Tiffany Taveras Voice Over: Andre Holland Contributing Writer: Rebecca Carroll |
|
KUUMBA Festival at Harbourfront Centre Feb 1- Feb 28 |
|
Toronto’s largest and longest-running Black Futures Month celebration, the KUUMBA festival, returns in 2026 with a bold, global vision. Presented by TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment, this year’s festival is guided by the theme Sounds of Blackness, honouring the histories, achievements and creative brilliance of Black communities across North America and beyond. From music, literature, dance and theatre to wellness, family-friendly programming and masterclasses, KUUMBA 2026 spotlights Afro-Caribbean and Canadian artists and thought leaders, creating a powerful space for reflection, celebration and future-focused dialogue. For more information, visit: https://harbourfrontcentre.com/series/kuumba/ |
|
Spotlight on Black Creators |
|
This Black History Month, we are celebrating the creativity, talent, and stories of Black creators across our community. We invite you to share who you are and what you are working on. It could be a current project, a recent milestone, a glimpse into your creative process, or something you simply want more people to know about. This space is about recognizing your work and helping more audiences discover it. Submissions may be featured on our social platforms through posts, stories, or short video highlights. Depending on the number we receive, some may be shared after February in newsletters or future community spotlights to include more voices over time. |
|
Thank you for being part of this community and for your vision and creativity. |
|
BSO in Residence at CBC – Toronto Broadcast Centre, 25 John St., Suite 6C300
Toronto, Ontario M5V 3G6, Canada |
|
|
|
