Editorial Note: “Think of this as a piece of our shared history that was just too important to let the internet forget.”
Brampton’s Black History Month celebration drew a full house on Saturday, February 7th, 2026, at the Rose Theatre, bringing together community members, civic officials, business leaders and cultural organizations for an evening rooted in recognition and renewal.
This year’s theme, “Honouring Black Brilliance and Generations: From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries” framed the program as both tribute and call to action. As the City’s promotional materials noted, “Brampton is celebrating past leaders and new voices shaping the future, offering something for everyone to learn, enjoy and engage with.”
The evening balanced ceremony with celebration. Guests were captivated by performances from Dance Caribe Performing Company and the Crawford 7th Day Adventist Academy Choir. A reception and vendor market in the Rose Lobby featured local caterers and community businesses, reinforcing the event’s economic and cultural focus.
During a February 4th city council meeting, Mayor Patrick Brown announced that Retired Sgt. Lonsdale Blackett, the first officer employed by Peel Regional Police when the force launched in 1974, will have a street named in his honour. “He dedicated his life to public safety and is a long-time Bramptonian,” Mayor Brown said.
The initiative was advanced with support from Wards 3 and 4 Regional Councillor Dennis Keenan, who played a key role in the process.
The event was hosted by Bakari Savage, co-anchor of CP24 Live at 5, who delivered the welcome and land acknowledgement. Vocalist Shian Smalling performed both the Canadian national anthem and the Black national anthem.
Gwyneth Chapman, who leads the City of Brampton’s Black Economic, Social, Cultural, Youth and Civic Development division (commonly known as the Black Empowerment Unit) addressed the audience with remarks focused on uplift, representation and sustained community investment.
Several organizations received the Mayor’s Awards in recognition of their impact across Peel Region:
- Roots Community Services Inc.
- Case Community Services
- 100 Community Builders
- United Achievers Club
- RESQ Youth International
- Congress of Black Women — Brampton Chapter
- Walnut Foundation
- Raven Youth Services
The Black Business Empowerment Award was presented to Divatello Beauty.
In a statement posted to Facebook, Roots Community Services reflected on the honour, “This recognition affirms the work we have done alongside Black, African and Caribbean (BAC) communities across Peel and beyond… We accept this recognition with gratitude and renewed commitment to creating lasting change.”
The keynote address was delivered by the Honourable Justice Irving André, a jurist, scholar and author of Dominican heritage. Drawing on figures including Dr. Eric Williams, Roberta Nesta Manley, Tina Turner, Booker T. Washington and Rosie Douglas, André spoke about resilience, purpose and collective responsibility.
He urged attendees to reject limitations, emphasizing that perseverance, education, faith and hope remain powerful tools for transformation.
Councillor Harkirat Singh echoed that message in a public statement shared on Instagram, writing, “We proudly recognize the contributions of Black residents in Brampton’s growth, vibrancy and identity… We reaffirm our commitment to advancing equity, dignity, belonging and opportunity for all.”
The coordinated efforts of the Mayor’s Office, including staff members Garnett Manning and Candy Car, alongside the Black Empowerment Unit, underscore the City’s ongoing commitment to representation and civic engagement.
Events such as this extend beyond ceremony. They shape public memory, affirm lived experience and offer visible pathways for young people to see themselves reflected in leadership, service and achievement.
Stay in the loop with exclusive news, stories, and insights—delivered straight to your inbox. No fluff, just real content that matters. Sign up today!
