45 years of celebrating Black history in Manitoba

CTV’s Maralee Caruso learns about the importance of Black History Month and how Manitobans can celebrate the occasion.

It may have started as a small group of people, but the growth never stopped for celebrating Black History Month in Winnipeg.

2026 marks the 45th year since a “small group of folks decided to take on this humongous task of celebrating Black History Month” in Winnipeg – and chairperson for Black History Manitoba Nadia Thompson says the history is the focus for them this year.

“It’s been growing and this is where we are after 45 years,” Thompson told CTV News Friday. “We’re bigger and better and we’re just so appreciative to the whole city and province for taking us on and supporting us so much throughout the years.”

Internationally, this year also marks a centennial of Black History Month since Carter G. Woodson, an African American historian laid the groundwork for the month.

Thompson said one of the important aspects of educating audience is to find more similarities than differences.

“When we’re talking about fur trade, we’re talking about Underground Railroad, slavery, Winnipeg Strike and porters – all these other things that we failed to educate our young people within the school system.

“We’ve taken it upon ourselves to help educate those on the wider audience – so that they realize that Black history is a part of Canadian history.”

She said the community is growing for various reasons, such as families starting a new life or students studying in Canada.

“People of Manitoba are so welcoming and warm. They are just embracing those different cultures so wholeheartedly that it just makes Manitoba a wonderful place to live.”

Various organizations, including Black History Manitoba, are hosting events to celebrate Black History Month, such as education, markets, fashion, book fairs and seminars.

With files from CTV News’ Maralee Caruso