iHeartRadio is proud to mark Black History Month in Montreal throughout the month of February. We invite you to get involved, get informed, and support Black History Month in the city.
Below, is a list of local resources, events and stories from Black Montrealers who have left their mark and contributed to the rich cultural tapestry that makes up our city.
Rouè-Doudou Boicel
Montreal media personality and entrepreneur, Malik Shaheed pays tribute to Rouè-Doudou Boicel and his contributions to the city's Jazz and Blues scenes:
West Island Black Community Association
Legal and HR Coordinator for the West Island Black Community Association, Shaina Thornhill shares how her organization has been making a difference for Black communities in Montreal:
Rufus Rockhead
Montreal media personality and entrepreneur, Malik Shaheed pays tribute to Rufus Rockhead and his contributions to Montreal's nightlife:
Rhodnie Desir
Musician, actor and broadcaster Gregory Charles tells the story of choreographer and community activist Rhodnie Desir:
Jocko Alston
Stand-up comedian and actor Andrew Searls looks back at the contributions of actor and comedian Jocko Alston:
The Unknown Black Person
Lawyer emeritus and negotiator of the Government of Canada's Truth and Reconciliation mandate, Tamara Thermitus pays hommage to the unknown Black person:
Bennedict Mathurin, Luguentz Dort, Chris Boucher and Olivier Maxence Prosper
Broadcaster Meeker Guerrier recognizes some of Quebec's most successful basketball players that made it into the NBA: Bennedict Mathurin, Luguentz Dort, Chris Boucher and Olivier Maxence Prosper:
Gemma Raeburn-Baynes
Journalist Akil Alleyne shares the story of his mentor, Gemma Raeburn-Baynes:
Egbert Gaye
CTV Montreal's Maya Johnson looks back at the life of Egbert Gaye:
Frederick R. Phillips
Tracy Phillips shares the story of her father, Frederick R. Phillips:
Yolande James
Bruny Surin shares the story of Yolande James:
Trevor Williams
Joel Anthony shares Trevor Williams' story:
Noel-Patric Brady
Shane Brady shares the story of his father Noel-Patric Brady:
Pat Dillon-Moore
Marlene Jennings shares the story of Pat Dillon-Moore:
Mariah Inger
Tristan D. Lalla shares the story of Mariah Inger:
Below are a handful of special events, as curated by The Round Table on Black History Month. You can find more at MoisHistoireDesNoirs.com.
Classical music and voices for this anniversary edition
UQAM Salle Pierre-Mercure
January 31
Under the direction of principal guest conductor Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser, Ensemble Obiora kicks off its 2026 season with AMBER, a dazzling program melding classical elegance, modernity, and contemporary creation.
UQAM Salle Pierre-Mercure
February 5
A concert highlighting Canadian-Haitian soprano Marie-Josée Lord, accompanied by the Orchestre Classique de Montréal under the direction of Kalena Bovell, an African-American and Hispanic conductor. This moving program will both showcase landmark works by composers of African descent, including William Grant Still and Florence Price, as well as set Toni Morrison texts to music.
MBAM Salle Bourgie
February 13
A string and saxophone program with Steven Banks, bridging the 18th and 21st centuries to offer up a fascinating contrast between the classical elegance of Mozart and the Chevalier de Saint-Georges, and the dramatic intensity of Banks and López.
Going out to feel good
Starting on February 1
BLK WinterFest
Routes to Rootz is back with its annual BLK WinterFest and is inviting you to join! The month-long event offers six different winter activities and sports that you’re sure to enjoy trying. Routes to Rootz will handle the transportation and equipment—all you have to do is be there! They’ve taken every care to ensure you have an unforgettable winter experience. See you on the slopes soon!
While riding the Réseau express métropolitain (REM), feel the pulse of the city and take in the new installations at Édouard-Montpetit station. Discover a five-panel painting by 2022 Round Table laureate Manuel Mathieu: Le Mont habité is a vibrant, colourful indoor experience.
February 14
Plaza Côte-des-Neiges
Annual Blood Drive – 16th Edition
In partnership with Héma-Québec, the Round Table on Black History Month is organizing a blood drive in support of those with sickle cell anemia, a disease that particularly affects Black people. This initiative also aims to highlight the essential contributions that Black communities make to Quebec’s blood supply.
Africa features prominently in several of the events.
February 14–27
Belgo Building, room 521
The Body in Ritual is a photo exhibition resulting from a collaboration between the executive director of the Afromusée, Guy Mushagalusa Chigoho, and photographer Claude Gauthier. Masks are traditionally viewed as ethnographic objects or cultural artifacts, but here they are instead transformed into living entities staged alongside the body.
February 22
Place des Arts
Les Ballets Africains, a 35-member troupe, are making their return to Montreal. They last visited in 1967!