Black History Month gets underway starting Monday with a host of planned events right across the city.

Among some of the month's highlights, Canada Post will unveil a special stamp to unsung Canadian hero William Nelson Hall.

Hall, who was born in Nova Scotia after his parents fled slavery in the U.S., was the first black person and only the third Canadian to receive the distinguished Victoria Cross for bravery.

He won the honour for his service to the British military during a revolt in India in 1857. The stamp will be unveiled at a ceremony on Wednesday onboard HMCS York, located at 659 Lake Shore Blvd. West.

Other planned special events include:

  • The Caribbean Tales Youth Film Festival, which runs from February 2 - 28 at William Doo Auditorium, which is located 45 Willcocks St.
  • The Toronto Mass Choir presents the "Evolution of Gospel Music" at 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 5, and Saturday Feb. 6 at Global Kingdom Ministries, 1250 Markham Road
  • The "Beyond the Rhythm" art exhibition, presented by the Association of African Canadian Artists, runs from Feb. 2 - Feb. 10 at the Toronto City Hall Rotunda
  • "The Spirit of Harriet Tubman," a one-person play written and performed by Leslie McCurdy, takes place at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 pm. at the City Playhouse Theatre, located at 1000 New Westminster Drive in Vaughan

For a full list of events, please visit the Black History Canada Calendar.