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Black History Month

BHM and Canada: 

  • February is dedicated to events and celebrations recognising Black culture and legacies of Black people across the world 

  • 2026 theme for BHM in Canada: “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries”

    • Celebrates 3 decades of Black History Month in Canada 

 

History:

Early recognition: 

  • 1979 the founders of the Ontario Black History Society (Dr. Daniel G. Hill and Wilson O. Brooks) petitioned to recognise February as Black History Month

    • Toronto became Canada’s first city to issue a proclamation (1979)

    • The Mayor of North York followed suit in 1981

Provincial celebration: 

  • The first Black History Month in Nova Scotia was observed in 1988 and later renamed African Heritage Month in 1996

  • Ontario recognized Black History Month in 1993.

Official recognition: 

  • Officially recognised in 1995 when the House of Commons adopted a motion introduced by the Honourable Jean Augustine (the first Black woman elected to Parliament) to recognise Black History Month and the Black community’s importance in the history of Canada 

    • Resulted in its official, nation-wide recognition

Addressing Anti-Black Racism : Canadian policy

  • Viola Desmond & the $10 Canadian bill: Viola desmond challenged racial segregation in Nova Scotia 

    • Arrested in 1996 for refusing to leave a “whites only” section of a movie theatre 

    • Her civil disobedience ushered a civil rights movement in Canada 

  • 2024-2028 Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy: focused on targeting systemic racism by removing barriers for marginalised communities and centring lived experience

  • 2025: Canada’s Federal Government announced a 10-year plan for Canada’s “Black Justice Strategy” 

    • Addresses the overrepresentation of Black people in the criminal justice system 

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Significance

Recognising and challenging pervasive forms of anti-Black racism today 

    • Systemic challenges in education, employment, health, the justice system, etc. 

  • Anti-Black racism definition: 

    • Deeply ingrained in institutions, policies and practices 

    • Has taken on covert forms

      • Explains racial disparities in opportunities and occupations, racially segregated geographical regions, etc. 

  • Acknowledging the contributions of Black people (and Black Canadians) historically and today 

Call to Action!

Grassroot Black community organisations across Canada to support :

  • Fondation Dynastie: aims to make foundational transformations to the cultural, artistic and media industries to ensure the representation of Black communities in Quebec

  • Black Queer Youth Collective: work to provide a safe environment for Black Queer and Trans youth. They provide resources for connection, leadership opportunities and community building. 

  • Federation of Black Canadians: National non-pofit focused on advancing the social, economic, political and cultural interests of Black Canadians, partnering with Black Canadian organisations around the country. 

  • Black Canadian Women in Action: A charity organisation committed to empowering Black women and girls across Western Canada through leadership opportunities, workshops, and educational initiatives. 

  • Black Educators Association: Non-profit dedicated to achieving equitable education in Nova Scotia. 

  • Unity Centre Association for Black Cultures: Non-profit designed to unify, promote and integrate Black cultures into Canadian society. Focused on educating the community on the contributions of Black people in BC, and providing support services to Black Canadians in these regions. 

Queen's Resources

Queen’s Resources:

  • Yellow House: safe space for BIPOC students that launch initiatives to dismantle oppressive systems and practices 

  • Human Rights and Equity Office: 

  • Peer Support Centre: 613-701-1557 

    • (JDUC 430C)

  • Instagram
  • Facebook

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