Black history deserves more than just a month

Every February, Black History Month highlights the legacy of Black Canadians who have made their mark on Canada and celebrates the collective power of the Black communities that are an indelible part of Canada’s social fabric.

Black History Month is a much-needed and welcome occasion to recognize the experiences and contributions of Black Canadians—but Black history deserves more. Along with the history and heritage of Indigenous Peoples in this land, it should be deeply embedded in every Canadian’s consciousness.

A deeper understanding of Black history will help us understand the immense contribution that Black people have made to Canada. It will also help us gain insights into why Black Canadians are so often targeted by hate crimes, more likely to suffer from poverty, and over-represented in prisons, among other issues. Such understanding is a starting point for addressing stubborn inequities.

Black history is Canadian history

Too often, Canadians tend to let themselves off the hook with respect to racism. The more overt displays of racism in the United States, with its history of slavery, may make us feel like lesser offenders. We focus on the Underground Railroad, which helped enslaved Black people to head north in search of freedom. These stories portray Canada in a favourable light.

But our history contains some harder truths.

For example, did you know that enslavement was practiced in Canada up to the early 19^th century? You can read more about that in our publication, Slavery in Canada. Like all stories of colonial oppression, the history of slavery in Canada is one of horrific injustices, with multi-generational impacts. At the same time, it is also a story of incredible resilience. 

Canada has embarked on a new chapter in its relationships with racialized Canadians and Indigenous Peoples. As we know, a reconciliation process requires us to acknowledge the difficult truths of our history. If we are sincere about creating an inclusive, peaceful, prosperous society, we must start to make amends with these communities.

Get informed

Canadian organizations have begun to initiate conversations and projects to explore and share the history of Black Canadians. Check out some of these resources and share them with your friends and family:

• Canadian Heritage invites Canadians to explore noteworthy historical Black figures who have helped shape Canadian history and challenged us to do better.
• The Delmore “Buddy” Day Learning Institute is airing the Viola Desmond Community Talk Series. Viola Desmond was a Nova Scotia civil rights activist who challenged racial segregation in and became a mentor to young Black women.

At the Canadian Commission for UNESCO, we are promoting the UN International Decade for People of African Descent. This Decade, which was recognized by Canada in 2018, promotes recognition, justice, and development as key themes. Our activities have included:

• Focusing on the history of Black Canadians when we nominate documentary heritage for the Canada Memory of the World Register
• Exploring the question of “belonging” for Black individuals in Canada through David Divine’s IdeaLab publication
• Supporting racialized communities through the Coalition of Inclusive Municipalities
• Sharing information on the UN Decade for People of African Descent through online events

We are also getting ready to publish a policy brief on how to address anti-Black racism in education (in partnership with the Global Centre for Pluralism) and an article on Afro-diasporic artistic expression. Keep an eye out for our social media campaign to promote the UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21!

Take action

And what can you do? We have some ideas. Consider:

• Reflecting on how the history of slavery in Canada influences race relations today
• Acknowledging the existence of systemic racism
• Confronting historical wrongs
• Reading and starting discussions about anti-racism or being Black in Canada

If you occupy a place of privilege in Canadian society, ponder the unconscious biases that may be clouding your perspective. Participate in conversations about race, even if—especially if—they make you uncomfortable. Think critically about white space and colour-blindness. Act in solidarity with Black Canadians in a way that challenges inequity and injustice.

Canada prides itself on being a welcoming nation. Let’s start by making sure every Canadian is part of the conversation on race.