Black History Month

What is Black History Month? 

Black History Month is all about celebrating and acknowledging the contributions and achievements of Black Canadians throughout history and in the present. Every February, countries such as the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, and Ireland, dedicate the month to spreading awareness and applause for the important roles Black individuals and groups have played in shaping the past, present, and future. It is also a time for Black individuals to share their stories and visions and voices. 

How it all started…

Black History Month began in Canada with the creation of the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) in 1978. Their founders, including Dr. Daniel G. Hill and Wilson O. Brooks, prepared a petition. The petition was presented to The City of Toronto and asked to have February officially declared as Black History Month. In 1979, The City of Toronto consented. 

In 1993, another petition by the OBHS meant that Black History Month was observed across Ontario. Rosemary Sadlier, the president of the OBHS then proposed that Black History Month be recognized across Canada. The Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, loved Sadlier’s idea and introduced a motion to the House of Commons in December 1995, which stated that Black History Month would be celebrated every February, across all of Canada. 

Finally, 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. The adoption of this motion cemented Parliament's position on Black History Month. 

How Can I Celebrate? 

This February, celebrate the stories and lives of Black Canadians by 

• Learning more about Black Canadians and their stories by visiting the Government of Canada’s website 

• Visiting The Toronto Black Film Festival 

• Participating in Black History Month activities at the Toronto Public Library 

• Visiting the Hart House 

• Reading about Black Canadians in the Canadian Encyclopedia collection and Library and Archives Canada database 

It is of utmost importance that we amplify the voices of Black Canadians for more than just a month. The crucial roles Black Canadians played in the history of Canada, play in the present, and will play in the future have been unacknowledged for far too long. So this February, let’s make every day count by highlighting the impacts Black Canadians have upon Canada. 

Written by Rachel Chung