Black History Resource Centre
Discover stories, voices, and moments that have shaped Black history in Canada and around the world. Explore videos, documentaries, speeches, and educational resources curated to encourage learning, reflection, and meaningful conversations.
National Film Board of Canada — Speakers for the Dead
This documentary explores hidden Black history in Canada, including racism, exclusion, and how Black Canadian history has often been erased from mainstream narratives. It is available through the NFB website.
Canadian Heritage
Canadian Heritage - Proud of our History - Black History Month
This video promotes the significant contributions that Canadians of African descent have made to their communities and to Canada. Various key black Canadians and events are featured in this Black History Month (BHM) Public Service Announcement (PSA):
Jan 31, 2017
Credit: Canadian Heritage
Canadian Heritage - Victoria Rifles - Black History Month
This is a Black History Month (BHM) Public Service Announcement (PSA) on The Victoria Rifles. It was formed in 1860 by Sir James Douglas, the first black Governor of British Columbia. The Rifles were one of British Columbia’s first military defense units comprised of Canadian black men only.
Jan 31, 2017
Credit: Canadian Heritage
Elijah McCoy - Black History Month
This Black History Month (BHM) Public Service Announcement (PSA) highlights the life of Elijah McCoy. He was one of the most prolific black inventors of the 19th Century with more than 57 inventions to his credit and from whom we get the expression, “The Real McCoy”.
Jan 31, 2017
Credit: Canadian Heritage
No. 2 Construction Battalion - Black History Month
This Black History Month (BHM) Public Service Announcement (PSA) is similar to our Canadian black history Public Service Announcement, however, this one further highlights the role of the Number 2 (No. 2) Construction Battalion. The Battalion was Canada’s military unit made of black men who served the country proudly during the First World War (WWI).
Jan 31, 2017
Credit: Canadian Heritage
Wade In The Water - Black History Month
“Wade in the Water” is among spiritual songs believed to have been sung to communicate secret code messages to escaping slaves. It warned them to flee dry land for the water, so the dogs and owners chasing them couldn’t track their scent. Such songs are believed to have been used throughout the Underground Railroad — a secret network used by thousands of slaves to escape to freedom during the 19th century.
Jan 31, 2017
Credit: Canadian Heritage
The War of 1812 - Black History Month
This video is a monologue of Richard Pierpoint. Pierpoint petitioned to form an all-black militia to fight alongside the British during the war of 1812. His initiative eventually led to the formation of what was known as the “Coloured Corps”, which contained approximately 30 men. The objective of the video is to promote the historical contributions of a community whose legacy stretches back to Canada’s earliest days. This year, the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 affords a chance to reflect on the key role that black soldiers played in the fight for Canada.
Jan 31, 2017
Credit: Canadian Heritage
Harriet Tubman - Black History Month
This video celebrates Harriet Tubman’s heroism and commemorates the 100th anniversary of her death in 1912. Harriet Tubman was a key figure in the Underground Railroad — a secret network used by thousands of slaves to escape to freedom during the 19th century. After escaping slavery herself, Tubman risked her own life countless times to help others find freedom.
Jan 31, 2017
Credit: Canadian Heritage
Black Enslavement, Indigenous Captivity and the Complex History of Slavery in North America
Canadian Museum for Human Rights — “The Story of Black Slavery in Canadian History'
This documentary explores hidden Black history in Canada, including racism, exclusion, and how Black Canadian history has often been erased from mainstream narratives. It is available through the NFB website.
February 16, 2023
Credit: Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Parks Canada — The Enslavement of African People in Canada, c. 1629–1834
This official historical resource explains that more than 4,000 people of African descent were enslaved in the French and British colonies that became parts of Canada. It would be a strong factual source for your Emancipation Day program.
February 16, 2023
Credit: Parks Canada
The Canadian Encyclopedia — Black History
This resource provides accessible historical information about the buying, selling, inheritance, and forced labour of Black people in early Canada. The Canadian Encyclopedia also has a separate video collection and Black history learning collection.
Credit: The Canadian Encyclopedia
The Canadian Encyclopedia —Black Enslavement in Canada
Black enslavement was a part of Canadian history for more than 200 years, shaping the lives of thousands of African people and their descendants. This resource explores the history of slavery in Canada, its lasting impact, and why understanding this history remains important today.
June 16, 2016
The Canadian Encyclopedia
Phone: +1-888-973-8403
Email: info@bmbcc.ca
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