Black Histories, Black Future. Exhibition For Black History Month
Posted on Friday, January 30, 2026
The City of St. Catharines invites residents to celebrate the start of Black History Month with a special launch event and the unveiling of an art exhibition at City Hall.
The City will host the launch event on Monday, Feb. 2, at 3:30 p.m. in Council Chambers, on the third floor of City Hall.
“This is the 30th anniversary of celebrating Black History Month in Canada,” said Dr. Tapo Chimbganda, Founding Executive Director, Future Black Female. “It’s a significant milestone, especially as residents across St. Catharines and the Niagara Region come together to celebrate and uplift Black communities in meaningful ways. It means a lot to those of us who call St. Catharines home.”
Following the flag-raising ceremony, residents are invited back inside City Hall to the third floor for the unveiling of the art exhibition, “Black Histories, Black Futures,” presented in partnership with Future Black Female, and Blackowned 905. Curated by Tanika Hillocks, Cultural Community Consultant, the exhibition invites us to reflect on the depth and presence of Black histories in St. Catharines and beyond. It honours future worlds where Black identity and culture are imagined in transformative ways, while affirming that Black presence is not confined to the past. A reception begins at about 4:30 p.m., with remarks at 5 p.m. Snacks will be provided by local Black-owned business, Flavour Fuel.
“Curating this exhibition goes beyond Black History Month; it’s an ode to building collectively, with care,” Hillocks said. “From the artists and the stories behind each work to the space we share, this exhibition asks us to reflect not just on how Black histories are held but on how Black futures are shaped, together.”
Featured artists include Emmanuel Akolo, Victory Anthony-Nted, Israel Crooks, Glory Inegbedion, Talia Jermyn, Sonia Kimaro, Wayne Moore, and MOON the artist.
The exhibition will remain on display on the third floor of City Hall and can be viewed during normal business hours, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., until Feb. 27.
The St. Catharines Downtown Association is also compiling a list of community activities on its website . Click Here To See More… https://bit.ly/4kaik7c