Black History Month

February is Black History Month. Black History Month in Canada was first established in Toronto in 1978 by the Ontario Black History Society. In 1993, Black History Month was formally recognized by the province of Ontario. In 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month, due to a push from the Ontario Black History Society and the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman to be elected to Parliament.

This year’s theme for Black History Month is: “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations – From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries”. This theme aims to draw attention to the importance of the historical achievements and future innovations of Black Canadians. The role of Black Canadians in Canada’s history has been ignored and systematically erased. Few people know about the Black Canadians who fought for Canada as far back as the War of 1812 or the history of eslavement in Canada. This year’s theme asks people not only to look at and reflect on the history of Black Canadian’s achievements that are often forgotten, but also to support future generations of Black Canadians in their innovation and excellence. 

For many Black Canadians, anti-Black racism is a daily occurrence. This racism may not be overt, but instead has been systematically built into Canadian institutions, policies, and practices. These systematic inequalities, which may go unnoticed by white Canadians, can lead to a lack of opportunities, higher unemployment, and overrepresentation in the criminal justice system. Micro-aggressions and covert racism may also be perpetuated by non-Black Canadians through unconscious biases. 

Black History Month is a time not only to learn about the history of Black Canadians, but also to celebrate Black excellence and joy. Below are some ways that you can take part in Black History Month. 

Educational Package for Grades 5-12: Kayak in the Classroom

Books for young kids:

We Are Here by Tami Charles

I Am My Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams by Tanisia Moore

That is My Dream by Langston Hughes and Daniel Miyares

Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry 

Viola Desmond Won’t Be Budged by Jody Nyasha Warner