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 and why it's celebrated in Canada. Keep reading, as I hope to answer some questions.
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. Yay!
(Below is Canada's official BHM 2018 poster) Black History in Canada
Everyday during the month of February, we will be sharing a post of the early history of Black people in Canada and their contributions to building our great nation on the Student Services social media channels. We will start with the arrival of the first Black person in Canada, and move to events in early history and then spotlight a few famous Black men and women who have contributed to both Canadian and global history in an immeasurable way.
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.
Why is celebrating Black History Month important?
The importance of this celebration is to highlight the role of Blacks 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.
In 2018 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. We recognize that we are part of a great nation, bound together by diverse languages, cultures, traditions and religions (Ifedi, 2017).
Finally, it's important to remember that Black History Month is not only about Black people. It's a celebration to acknowledge the contribution of Black people to Canada, but what's a celebration without friends, family and co-workers?
Join us for a Black History Month celebration! The Diversity Action Group will be hosting a Black History Month celebration on the RRU campus this year.
Join us for a free movie night on Tuesday, February 27th at 5:30 pm.
Free pizza and popcorn will be served! Bring a friend. Stay tuned for more details!