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Hey everyone! Welcome back to yet another edition of the seasonal newsletter!
February is a month best known for the romantic atmosphere that hovers throughout the first two weeks. However, it is also known as a month where we observe and honour the legacy of Black Canadians who’ve made great contributions towards our country. While in History class, many of us study the events in Canada during milestone wars such as the two world wars, we never pay attention to the history of Black Canadians. Their timeline, although significant to the country, is largely forgotten so let’s look over the various notable events for Black Canadians.
1700s
A large majority of Black people brought to Canada during this time were enslaved. During the American Revolution (1775-1783), enslaved Africans living in the States were offered freedom if they fought for Britain. However, once they arrived in Canada they faced discrimination by the community and government.
1800s
In the early to mid-1800s, around 30,000 Black people entered Canada through the Underground Railroad. This was mainly due to the act introduced in 1807 called the Act on the Abolition of the Slave Trade that became a law throughout the British Empire and abolished slavery in Canada in 1833.
The War of 1812 saw large numbers of support from Black communities. The Coloured Corps was formed, which consisted of both free and enslaved Black men who helped Britain fight in the Battle of Queenston Heights.
1914-1918
At the beginning of World War 1, many Black Canadians tried to volunteer to join the Canadian Military but were refused, leading to the formation of the No.2 Construction Battalion. Composed of Black Canadians, Americans and West Indians, this group was the first and only all-Black battalion in Canadian military history.
1939-1945
During the Second World War, the military restricted Black enlistment once again. However the significant losses of soldiers overseas eventually pushed the military to allow Black Canadians to enlist. After that, hundreds of Black subjects from the British Commonwealth came to Canada to join the military.
1945-present
Though discrimination still largely exists in our society, the Black communities in Canada have been expanding and continued to foster their unique cultures and identities.
While that is only a brief summary of the events over 300 years, it is still clear that Black people living in Canada have contributed enormous amounts for this country. They battled against slavery and faced racism just to try and serve for Canada in various Wars, so this February and onwards, let’s not forget the many actions that Black Canadians have, and will continue to take for Canada.
Ada Yao