Every February, we observe Black History month in Canada thanks to the advocacy of the Ontario Black History Society, who successfully petitioned Toronto city hall to proclaim it in 1979. Nova Scotia followed, and the province of Ontario, and eventually the federal government recognized it in 1995. It was later, in 2008, when the Senate adopted its own motion to recognize it.
We mention these dates because they may be more recent than many had thought. Recognizing the contributions and accomplishments of Black Canadians is a project that is far from fully achieved.
Black lives and talents are woven into this land’s history from the very beginning of European colonization. We also have to reckon with the history of the slave trade in what is now Canada, and we must celebrate those who fought to overturn that system and put Canada on a better path of inclusion and collective strength.
We urge members to attend and support Black History Month events and artists in your community. Or take a few minutes to learn about the contributions of a few Black people who have been part of building this society. Noteworthy figures – Canada.ca