'It’s my home and it’s a hill I will die on — just hopefully not of thirst': Hamilton tenants without water since Dec. 28

Hamilton is celebrating Black History Month with speakers, music, books and films at local venues across the city.

This February, honour the contributions of Black Canadians, including those in Hamilton, and remember important people and events through history.

Here are some of the ways to mark the month:

• Celebrate the unveiling of a citywide campaign honouring 16 Black Hamiltonians with banners on James Street North and displays across the city bearing their names, faces and biographies. The initiative will be launched at an event - which will include speakers, music and vendors - at city hall (71 Main St. W.) starting at noon on Jan. 30.

• Read books recommended by Hamilton Public Library that honour the legacy" of Black Canadians. The list includes fiction, as well as books that explore the histories, art and cultures of Black Canadians. Younger readers can pick from a curated list of nearly 30 books, from picture books to young adult fiction.

• Learn about the achievements of Viola Desmond from junior librarian Ainara Alleyne in this video. While you're at it, check out the 13-year-old's Instagram, Ainara's Bookshelf, which features books with diverse characters.

• Meet Black artists and authors at the Central Library. Throughout February, the downtown branch will host art exhibitions and author talks, as well as a Jackie Washington tribute concert and a screening of Marvel's Black Panther." For full list of events, visit the library's website.

• Celebrate excellence in Hamilton at the Reverend John C. Holland Awards. The awards recognize academic achievements of the city's Black youth, offering scholarships for post-secondary education. Tickets for the Feb. 18 event at LiUNA Station are $85 for adults and $70 for youth. There's a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and awards, and features guest speaker Michel Chikwanine, author of Child Soldier."

• Join the Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion and TAKEUPSPACE for a screening of Alma's Rainbow," a coming-of-age story of three Black women living in Brooklyn. The movie will be screened at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 21 at 423 King St. E.

• Celebrate Black resistance in Hamilton with the Hamilton Community Legal Clinic, the Hamilton Anti-Racism Resource Centre (HARRC) and other partners with food, music and speakers. The event takes place on Feb. 22 at 5:30 p.m. at the Central Library (55 York Blvd.).

• For a night of human rights and music, attend Stories of The Diaspora: Unlocking & Empowering Our Youth," featuring civil rights activist Minnijean Brown-Trickey, former child soldier Emmanuel Jal and music by Suubi Fusion Troupe. The event, run by Toronto-based NEXIM International Development Organization (NIDO), takes place Feb. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Mohawk College's McIntyre Performing Arts Centre (135 Fennell Ave. W.)

To have a local event or initiative added to the list, email us at news@thespec.com.

Kate McCullough is an education reporter at The Spectator. kmccullough@thespec.com