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Monday January 19, 2026 to Sunday March 1
A Guide to Black History in Windsor Essex
Celebrate Black History Month in Windsor Essex with a diverse lineup of events, galleries, and educational sessions honoring Black culture, heritage, and contributions. Explore powerful exhibits, engaging discussions, and live performances that highlight the region’s rich Black history. Whether attending a community gathering or visiting a local museum, there are many ways to learn, reflect, and celebrate throughout February.
CROSSROADS BLACK HISTORY MONTH BY TOURISM WINDSOR ESSEX PELEE ISLAND
February 2025
Celebrate Black History Month in Windsor Essex with the CROSSROADS Guide to Black History in Windsor Essex, a complimentary addition to the CROSSROADS Historical Guide. Register for FREE and be lead through significant attractions and landmarks highlighting the rich Black heritage of our region. This guide offers an immersive journey into the pivotal role Windsor Essex played in the Underground Railroad and the enduring contributions of the Black community.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Amherstburg Freedom Museum for their invaluable information and resources in the creation of this guide. Embark on this enlightening exploration to deepen your understanding of our shared history. PLUS: Explore and Win! Check in at one or more spots between now and February 28th to be entered into the draw for $50 to Stelly’s Cuisine & Catering, a pair of books chronicling Black History in Windsor Essex and admission for four to the Amherstburg Freedom Museum. Every check-in will give you another bonus entry into the draw.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH KICKOFF
January 30 at 7:00 pm.
Celebrate the start of Black History Month with the Windsor-Essex Black History Month Kick-Off! This free, in-person event features local Black history highlights, cultural performances, and the official launch of the 2026 Black History Month activity schedule. All are welcome to attend and join community partners in honouring Black history and heritage throughout the region.
Enjoy music, poetry, and more as we come together to recognize the importance of Black History Month and encourage participation in the wide range of events planned across Windsor-Essex.
Caribbean Centre
2410 Central Ave, Windsor
Event Details
Black health – health fair
January 30 at 7:00 pm.
Celebrate the launch of the Black Health Program with a preventative health fair! Explore educational booths, and connect with community resources like:
-Sickle cell education
-Mental health care
-Cancer prevention & screening
-Black Health
-Blood pressure checks
-Diabetes testing
-Snacks & refreshments
-Prize draw & giveaways
weCHC Sandwich
3325 College Ave, Windsor
Event Details
PAN-AFRICAN FLAG-RAISING
February 2 at 12:00 pm.
The community is invited to gather at the University of Windsor Main Campus outside Chrysler HallTower on Monday, February 2nd at noon for the ceremonial raising of the Pan-African flag. There will be remarks by Dr. Clinton Beckford, Dr. Cheryl Collier, and Dr. Shetina Jones.
Following the flag-raising ceremony, attendees are invited to a reception with refreshments in the Black Scholars Institute lounge, located on the lower level of the CAW Student Centre, sponsored by the BSI, Assumption University, the CUBE, and Family Fuse.
Outside Chrysler Hall Tower, University of Windsor
401 Sunset Ave, Windsor
Event Details
DISCUSSING BLACK SETTLEMENT AND COMMUNITY FORMATION IN LATE 19TH CENTURY WINDSOR-ESSEX
February 3 at 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm.
Join the University of Windsor Department of History and the Amherstburg Freedom Museum for a Black History Month featuring alumni Max Bennett and Karleigh Kochaniec. Bennett and Kochaniec will discuss their past research and knowledge mobilization activities as Local Black History Interns at the Amherstburg Freedom Museum.
Armouries Building
353 Freedom Way, Windsor
Second Annual Beauty is Me Fundraising Luncheon
February 5 at 11:30 am – 1:00pm.
Join Beauty is Me for their Second Annual Fundraiser Luncheon in celebration of Black History Month. This meaningful community event brings partners and supporters together to celebrate culture, connection, and empowerment while supporting the ongoing work of Beauty is Me.
The luncheon will feature keynote speaker Jeremiah Bowers, JD, a Windsor-raised advocate for racial justice and equity, recipient of the 2023 Lieutenant Governor’s Lincoln M. Alexander Award, and National Chair of the Black Law Students’ Association of Canada. All are welcome to attend, with opportunities to participate through tickets and sponsorship in support of uplifting Black and biracial children, youth, and families in our community.
St. Clair College Centre for the Arts – Skyline B Ballroom
201 Riverside Dr W, Windsor
Event Details and Tickets
BY THE CONTENT OF THEIR CHARACTER: RE-EXAMINING DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.’S DREAM IN OUR TIME
February 5 at 7:00 pm.
If Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. were to issue a report card on the Western world today, measured against his dream that people be judged “not by the colour of their skin, but by the content of their character,” where would we find ourselves when held against that standard? Together we will examine what Dr. King’s dream requires of us, and how it calls us to action in our time.
This panel includes Bishop Edgar L. Vann, Dr. Camisha Sibblis, Elder Lana Talbot, and Mr. Michael Brown. The panel will be moderated by Dr. John Cappucci. Discussion and refreshments to follow. Free admission and parking. Everyone is welcome.
Caribbean Centre
2410 Central Ave, Windsor
COME AND SING WITH THE COMBINED GOSPEL CHORUS OF SOUTHWESTERN ONTARIO!
Rehearsals throughout February (tba).
Sing with us! Join us in a celebration of Black history, in collaboration with the Windsor Symphony
Orchestra and Sandwich First Baptist Church Underground Railroad Museum. Sing gospel songs that brought us to freedom with members of Southwestern Ontario communities. The ability to read music is not required.
Rehearsals weekly at Sandwich First Baptist Church, 3652 Peter Street. Dress rehearsal Friday, March 13th 7:00pm9:30pm, Capitol Theatre, 121 University Ave. W., Windsor, followed by two short concerts Saturday, March 14th 10:00 am and 11:30 am at the Capitol Theatre with Lana Talbot, Leader and Storyteller and Geoffrey Larson, Resident Conductor.
Sandwich First Baptist Church
3652 Peter St, Windsor
For information contact [email protected]
THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD: MYTHS AND FACTS
February 11 at 6:30 pm.
Join us as community historian Irene Moore Davis discusses myths and facts regarding the Underground Railroad in Windsor-Essex County and beyond. Referring to decades of scholarship regarding the Underground Railroad, this presentation will dispel some of the common myths that have shaped many North Americans’ understanding of what the Underground Railroad was, its significance, how it operated, who was involved, and Canada’s role.
Special emphasis will be placed on the stories of freedom seekers who made Windsor-Essex their home. Free event co-hosted by All Saints’ Anglican Church and St. Augustine of Canterbury Anglican Church.
St. Augustine of Canterbury Anglican Church
5145 Wyandotte Street E, Windsor
Musical Celebration for the 95th Annual Valentine Tea
February 15 at 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm.
For more than ninety years, the congregation of Windsor’s British Methodist Episcopal Church has organized a Valentine Tea in February. This year, the 95th Annual Valentine Tea will take place at All Saints’ Anglican Church just steps from the original location of the BME Church in the McDougall Street Corridor. Enjoy tea and desserts, the New Life Fellowship Choir, a brief talk by Irene Moore Davis, art displays by the Artists of Colour, and special guest centenarian Mrs. Florence Logan, longtime President of the BME Church Aid Society. Hosted by Annette Middleton and the Carter sisters. Admission by donation.
All Saints’ Anglican Church
330 City Hall Square West, Windsor
Youth Fashion Show: BLACK: The Beautiful One with The Ujima Initiative at Art Windsor Essex
February 19 at 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm.
The Ujima Initiative in partnership and collaboration with Art Windsor Essex, presents a Black History Month Celebration of Culture and Fashion. Join us for BLACK: The Beautiful One. This colourful feast of fashion, culture, and story is centering a powerful tradition of unity, through sacred designs and patterns fused with contemporary styles that stand in a unique space of power and resilience. Enjoy colourful fabrics shaped by the hands of youth and guided by the truths of elders. In the BLACK we are all connected and seen.
Free for Members of AWE, $20 for AWE at Night in February: Enjoy an evening filled with art activities, community discussions, guided tours, and great vibes.
Art Windsor Essex
401 Riverside Drive West Windsor, Windsor
Event Details
Art Windsor-Essex Presents AWE at Night
February 19 at 6:00 pm – 9:00.
Tour the exhibitions at Art Windsor-Essex and enjoy interesting activities such as a fashion show by talented Black youth engaged in the Ujima Initiative (United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex-Chatham-Kent.) Enjoy drop-in art workshops, music, and light refreshments available for purchase.
Art Windsor-Essex
Riverside Dr. W., Windsor
Event Details
Dr. Lorene Bridgen-Lennie Presents “An Education without Walls: The Voice of the Fugitive and The Provincial Freeman as an Unconventional Classroom”
February 19 at 7:00 pm.
Join the Essex County Black Historical Research Society for their February members’ meeting on Zoom, featuring board member and presenter Dr. Lorene Bridgen-Lennie. Dr. Bridgen-Lennie will share research that led to her chapter on Windsor-based Black abolitionist newspapers The Voice of the Fugitive and The Provincial Freeman in the recent book The Black Press: A Shadowed Canadian Tradition ed. Claudine Bonner, Boulou Ebanda de B’béri, and Nina Reid-Maroney (University of Toronto Press, 2025.) Dr. Bridgen-Lennie’s talk is at 7:00 pm. A brief members’ business meeting will follow the presentation.
On Zoom, Meeting ID: 854 6710 9712, Passcode: 401709
WINDSOR EXPRESS – CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY
February 20 at 7:00 pm.
Commemorate Black History Month with your Windsor Express as they square off against the Wranglers in pro basketball action.
WFCU Centre
8787 McHugh St, Windsor
Tickets
black history month fundraiser to benefit the amherstburg freedom museum
February 20 at 7:00 pm.
Windsor-Essex supporters, join the Amherstburg Freedom Museum at the WFCU Centre on February 20th for a family-friendly evening as the Windsor Express takes on the Glass City Wranglers (Toledo.) A portion of proceeds will benefit the Museum. To participate, visit wfcu-centre.com/password, enter promo code BHM26, select your seats, and follow next steps to purchase tickets! Promo code valid until February 19th at 11:59 pm.
WFCU Centre
8787 McHugh St, Windsor
Tickets
Local 444 Unifor BIWOC Committee Black History Celebration
February 21 at 1:00 pm, Dinner at 4:00 pm.
The Unifor Local 444 Black, Indigenous, and Workers of Colour (BIWOC) committee cordially invites the community to a Black History Month celebration on Saturday, February 21st, 2026. Held at the Unifor Local 444 hall at 1855 Turner Road in Windsor, the program begins at 1:00 PM with a vibrant exploration of Black history through music, dance, and live storytelling.
The afternoon will conclude with a community dinner served at 4:00 PM featuring traditional, “rib-sticking” favorites. In addition to the performances, the event will feature community booths where local organizations are encouraged to share the history of their foundations and their ongoing impact. Tickets: $10.
Unifor Local 444 Hall
1855 Turner Rd, Windsor
Contact Tiffany Cullen to purchase tickets 226 345-1769.
Author Visit and Book Signing with Nikki Clarke
February 21 at 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
The Amherstburg Freedom Museum is pleased to host author and media personality Nikki Clarke for a book signing. Clarke is the author of The Paper Clip Princess and The Black Canadian History Colouring Book. Books will be available for purchase and signing.
Amherstburg Freedom Museum
277 King Street, Amherstburg
Annual Black History Month Brunch
February 22 at 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
The Windsor Essex Caribbean Association is inviting everyone to the annual Black History Month Brunch. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for kids under 13. Sponsored by the Coalition of Racialized Workers.
Caribbean Centre
2410 Central Ave, Windsor
For information and to purchase tickets, please call (519) 945-0213, connect at [email protected], or visit the Caribbean Centre.
VOICES & VERSES – A BLACK HISTORY MONTH COLLABORATION
February 22 at 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm.
Join us for a special afternoon of literature, art, and community as The River Bookshop and the Amherstburg Freedom Museum partner to celebrate Black History Month in a creative space surrounded by the works of members of the Artists of Colour. The River Bookshop will be on-site to sell books, and those interested in participating in the River Bookshop’s book club for February can purchase Code Noir at a discounted rate. Admission: FREE | Donations Welcome.
Amherstburg Freedom Museum
277 King Street, Amherstburg
WE’VE COME THIS FAR BY FAITH: A BLACK HISTORY MONTH EVENING PRAYER SERVICE
February 22 at 5:00 pm.
All are welcome to participate in an ecumenical Black History Month prayer service with speaker Rev. Jennifer Leath. Light refreshments to follow. Co-hosted by All Saints’ Anglican Church, St. Augustine of Canterbury Anglican Church, and Tanner-Price African Methodist Episcopal Church.
St. Augustine of Canterbury Anglican Church
5145 Wyandotte St. E., Windsor
FLOWERS FOR A CAUSE BENEFITING THE AMHERSTBURG FREEDOM MUSEUM
February 24 – 28 at 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
Windsor-Essex, mark your calendars! From February 24th through 28th, join Fashion Week Windsor at Chapter Two Brewing Co between 6 PM – 8 PM to purchase flowers in support of the Amherstburg Freedom Museum.
Every bouquet = support toward programming and scholarships. Every purchase – brightening the future of education, research, and awareness. Come out, grab your flowers, and be part of something that truly blossoms beyond the vase.
Chapter Two Brewing Co
2345 Edna St, Windsor
Event Details
BLACK HISTORY MONTH TRIVIA!
February 26 at 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm.
Join the Amherstburg Freedom Museum at WindsorEats Food Hall for a fun evening of Black History Month Trivia. Presented by the Amherstburg Freedom Museum. No registration required. Organize into teams or play solo. Celebrate Black History Month, test your knowledge of Black history and culture, and compete for bragging rights. Come for happy hour starting at 5:00 pm, featuring Black history-themed signature beverages, or arrive at 7:00 pm in time for trivia.
WindsorEats Food Hall
400 Erie Street East #Unit 3, Windsor
FROM MANGO TO MAPLE ARCHIVAL PROJECT LAUNCH
February 27 at 6:00 pm.
Join us for the soft launch of a new archival project, From Mango to Maple: Caribbean Diaspora at Windsor-Essex, involving archive collection building, research, outreach, and community engagement with respect to Windsor’s Caribbean community. This is a joint project of the Black Scholars Institute and Leddy Library (University of Windsor) Archives.
BSI (Black Scholars Institute) Hub, lower level of the CAW Student Centre, University of Windsor
401 Sunset Ave, Windsor
For more information contact the Project Leader, Antoinette Seymour, University of Windsor Archivist, [email protected]
BLX FASHION SHOW
February 27 at 6:00 pm.
Attend a Black History Month Fashion Show, a free event hosted by Black Leadership and Excellence (BLX) featuring food, fashion, music, vendors, and more, at the University of Windsor in Winclare Hall.
Winclare Hall, University of Windsor
401 Sunset Ave, Windsor
BKIA PRESENTS CHAINS TO CHANGES – BLACK HISTORY MONTH YOUTH PRODUCTION
February 27 at 7:00 pm.
Chains to Changes is Black Kids in Action’s 7th annual Black History Month stage production a powerful original performance that journeys through the historical, emotional, and cultural transitions from oppression to empowerment. Through spoken word, drama, music, and movement, this youth-led production highlights resilience, celebrates Black excellence, and inspires hope for the future. Featuring a cast of 45 talented young performers, the show centers youth voices as they reinterpret history and envision a world shaped by unity, courage, and transformation.
This year’s production also includes a special community give-back showcase and performances for local schools, making it both an artistic celebration and an educational experience during Black History Month. Entry fee is $30 per person before January 31st. After, the fee will be $45 per person. Visit bkia.ca to purchase tickets.
The Capital Theatre
121 University Ave. W., Windsor
Event Details & Tickets
“W.E. RIDE & DINE” – A WINDSOR BLACK HISTORY AND CULINARY BUS TOUR!
February 28 at 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
A 4-hour bus tour of Windsor’s historical sites, learning about local Black history, and our part in the Underground Railroad.” “Ride & Dine” – delight in authentic Black cuisine, including a mix of diverse offerings. Our guests will sample flavours from Black-owned restaurants that tell stories of culture and heritage.
Guests are taken on a coach bus tour around Windsor, guided by noted Black historian Irene Moore Davis, including stops and photo ops at the historic Jackson Park Bandshell, the Tower Of Freedom Underground Railroad Monument and more.
WE Ride & Dine @ Windsor Eats Food Hall
400 Erie Street E, Windsor
Unit 3
Event Details & Registration
