Follow us on instagram @mcmastereio
blank image placeholder

Rooted in Community – Black History Month at McMaster 2026 Launch – FEBRUARY 3 & 4

Black History Month Kick-Off Events: Rooted in Community

We invite the campus community to join us for two signature events launching Black History Month, centered on this year’s theme, Rooted: Our Legacy, Our Strength, Our Future honouring Black legacy, creativity, and entrepreneurship.

Rooted in Community: Opening Celebration
Date: Tuesday, February 3
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: The Nest Atrium

Black History Month officially begins with a campus-wide gathering featuring remarks from senior administration, the Equity and Inclusion Office, and a student representative. Together, they will reflect on this year’s theme and its significance to our campus community. The celebration will also include two live performances highlighting Black artistry, culture, and creative excellence.

Rooted: Black Excellence and Entrepreneurship — BLK OWNED Market
Date: Wednesday, February 4
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Donaldson Family Atrium

In collaboration with BLK OWNED Hamilton, join us for a vibrant Black-Owned Market showcasing local Black entrepreneurs, creatives, and community organizations. This event offers an opportunity to connect, shop, and support Black-owned businesses while celebrating innovation, resilience, and economic empowerment.

Information Box Group

Rooted in Community: Opening Celebration Learn More

Click here to visit the main Black History Month at McMaster 2026 page for more events throughout February.

For more information, please email Stephanie Henry henrys19@mcmaster.ca or Eve Nyambiya at nyambiye@mcmaster.ca

Explore photos of our vendors showcasing their merchandise, available for purchase by the McMaster community.

Click on each image to see the vendor’s name, and scroll down to learn more about their business.

Information Box Group

Feb 4th Business Vendors

Featured Black-Owned Businesses

We’re excited to highlight a selection of Black-owned businesses offering unique products and creative services for the February 4th event! We encourage you to check them out and support their work.

ArtbyTye
Signature art pieces, buttons, stickers, and prints featuring bold and expressive designs.
Instagram: @artbytye

Kerl Beauty
A beauty brand offering haircare and self-care products, including oils, bath products, skincare, and more, with a focus on curly hair and locs.

Mimi’s Bonnets
High-quality silk bonnets and scrunchies, along with vibrant dresses and trendy tote bags designed to protect your hair in style.

N?NSÓ
A skincare and body care brand offering hair oils, body butters, body mists, and other nourishing products.

Love Seun
Providing luxurious, all-natural skincare products, including body butters, oils, and moisturizers.
Instagram: @loveseun.ca

My African Treasure
A collection of African-inspired jewelry, bracelets, fans, and beautifully crafted gifts and trinkets.
Instagram: @myafricantreasure

Caistar Designs
Founded by Caidence Amartey, a McMaster alum and former student athlete, Caistar Designs offers prints and professional graphic design services. Caidence is also the designer of the BSAC logo.
Instagram: @caistardesigns

Stylo Starr
An artist specializing in creative collage sets, prints, magnets, and other unique design pieces.

Beadexxy
Specializing in beaded jewelry, including bracelets, waist beads, and other handcrafted accessories.
Instagram: @beadexxy

February 3rd Performances

Song and Spoken Word:

Akilah Walcott

See more of her work: https://www.instagram.com/akilahthecreative/ 

Spoken Word: 

Landry Kalembo

Monae Mackenzie

 

Campus and Community Partners

Black Student Success Centre

McMaster Student Union

Diversity Equity Network

BLK OWNED

 

 

Remember our Kick-off from last year? Check out some of the our recap video at Centering Joy in Community that took place Monday, Febraury 3rd, 2025