Celebrating Black History Month in Canada

Read about Fannie Lou Hamer here.

Why do we celebrate Black History Month in Canada?

Isn't it for Americans? Isn't it about the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960's in the U.S.? Who and what do we celebrate in Canada? These are some questions that you may have about Black History Month.

Here's the Background:

The commemoration of Black History Month started in 1926, when Harvard-educated African American historian Carter G. Woodson proposed setting aside a week in the year, devoted to honor the accomplishments of African Americans and to heighten awareness of Black history in the United States, as it is not commonly taught in the public school curriculum. This led to the beginning of "Negro History Week" in 1926. Celebrations of Black history began in Canada shortly thereafter. During the early 1970's, the week was changed to "Black History Week". But because there are so many great people and accomplishments to celebrate, the week was expanded into "Black History Month" in 1976.

In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada following a motion introduced by the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine. The motion was carried unanimously by the House of Commons.

In February 2008, Senator Donald Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Senate, introduced the Motion to Recognize Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month. It received unanimous approval and was adopted on March 4, 2008. The adoption of this motion completed Canada’s parliamentary position on Black History Month.

During the month of February, we will be sharing stories of incredible Black Women and their contributions to society. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for our “Celebrate Her Stories” for BHM 2021.

Most of us are not aware of the fact that African people were once enslaved in the territory that is now Canada, previously called "New France" and we don't often hear of the stories about those who fought enslavement in Canada and how they helped to lay the foundation of Canada’s diverse and inclusive society.

There is little mention of the Black Loyalists who came here after the American Revolution and settled in the Maritimes or of the many sacrifices made in wartime by Black Canadian soldiers as far back as the War of 1812. Black History Month is a time to learn more about these Canadian stories and many others. Join us for the sharing of Black History stories throughout the month.

Why is celebrating Black History Month important?

The importance of this celebration is to highlight the role of Black people in Canada, because it has not always been viewed as a key feature in Canada’s historic landscape. People of African descent have been a big part of shaping Canada’s heritage and identity since the early 1600's. Yet there has been a systemic erasure of Black history from the text books and its not taught in public education.

In 2021 Black History month has evolved, not only as a celebration, but a re-affirmation by all Black people of their belonging, equal to and entitled to all the rights, privileges, responsibilities and obligations of being a citizen of Canada.

The study of Black History is important because it calls into question the multiculturalism of Canadian communities and its current race relations. It is no secret that Canada still struggles with racism and segregation. Stories like Monica's Bar in Toronto denying service to Black clientele, recent racist attacks in all over the country, including right here at home at Royal Roads university, the long history of systemic racism in government and corporate Canada, continuous instances of police harassment and brutality all lend to the question: How far have we really come? And more importantly, what are we willing to do about it?

Black History tells the stories of great injustice, incredible sacrifices and the fight for basic human rights.
It teaches us the timing and strategies of political movements to gain attention for the cause and force responsibility on lawmakers to enact new legislation.

But Black History is not just for and about Black people, it's about change. It’s about learning from the past so those mistakes are not repeated. It's about finding our voice and fighting for our civil liberties for the betterment of all society.

This year’s theme for Black History month in Canada is: “Canadians of African Descent: Going forward, guided by the past.” We know what type of Canada we’d like see now and in the future. What about you?

Join us for a Black History Month celebration event on Monday, February 22nd at 6PM PST.
More details HERE.

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