Black History Ottawa (BHO) is a registered Canadian charity with a mandate to advance education by increasing the public’s knowledge and appreciation of, and carrying out research in the history, culture, traditions and achievements of Canadians of African descent. Through our initiatives, we serve the community by developing and offering  programs, open to the public, which focus on areas such as mentorship, youth leadership and health.

Prior to 1985, the Barbados (Ottawa) Association highlighted the achievements of peoples of African descent in with a week-long celebration. Later, 10 Black associations in the Ottawa area came together to create a committee called the Black History Month Committee. The Black History Month Committee was inaugurated in 1986 and later renamed Black History Ottawa.

Since then, Black History Ottawa has been coordinating and presenting activities celebrating Black History Month in the Nation’s Capital. These activities honour the numerous achievements and contributions of peoples of African descent in fields such as sciences, medicine, literature, the arts, sports etc. They also serve to acknowledge the roles Blacks have played in the growth and development of Canadian society and culture.

Thus, we, peoples of African origin, will continue to promote our most prized possession: our heritage.