Building upon the success of BlackLit Durham, the inaugural Canadian Black Literary Festival (CBLF) launches on Saturday, August 29, 2026. This annual celebration of African-Canadian literature will take place in Ajax on the last weekend in August before Labour Day weekend every year. This timing purposefully aligns closely with the International Day for People of African Descent, commemorated on August 31 each year.

CBLF 2026 is a one-day exposition of Black literary artistry, creativity, and performance hosted in partnership at two of Ajax’s most important cultural facilities: the Ajax Public Library Main Branch and the St. Francis Centre for Community, Arts, & Culture. The theme of the festival will align each year with local initiatives that commemorate Emancipation Month in Ontario.