Black History Month is a month dedicated to commemorating the achievements of Black people throughout history, whilst also reflecting on the racism and prejudices that Black people have experienced and continue to face.
It is a time to reflect on the stories, experiences, and accomplishments of Canada’s Black community.
Black History Month in Canada Timeline (via Canada.ca):
1978 — The Ontario Black History Society is created and efforts began to make Black History Month officially recognized in Canada
1988 — The first Black History Month in Nova Scotia takes place
1993 — The Ontario Black History Society successful petitions to officially declare February as Black History Month
1995 — The House of Commons officially recognizes February as Black History Month in Canada; the decision was unanimous
2008 — Senator Donald Oliver (the first Black man appointed to the Senate) introduces the Motion to Recognize Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month; this motion passes unanimously
Suggestions for how to honour Black History Month:
28 Days of Activities for Black History Month
For more information about Black History Month in Canada:
List of Black Canadian Historical Figures
Statistics on the Systemic Oppression of Black People in Canada
CBC: Stop asking Black people to perform emotional labour during Black History Month
CBC: 23 historical Black Canadians you should know
