Each year, in February, Black History Month is observed to celebrate the achievements of Black communities in Canada. This commemoration allows us to listen to their stories and learn about the community’s history and contributions to Canadian society.
Throughout Canadian history, the role of Black people and their communities has largely been ignored. By acknowledging and celebrating Black History Month, we have the opportunity to learn more about the important contributions that Black Canadians have made to the history and growth of Canada.
A theme is unveiled each year in Canada for Black History Month, with this year’s theme being “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.”
Along with celebrating Black Canadians contributions, it is important to learn about the history of Black History Month in Canada and how it came to be.
In 1978, the Ontario Black History Society was established, and in 1993, it successfully filed a petition in Ontario to proclaim February as Black History Month. In December 1995, Black History Month was officially recognized by the House of Commons.
Locally, the BC Black History Awareness Society began in the mid-70’s, with a goal of bringing together individuals who had both an interest in BC’s Black history and a desire to develop a community.
The group continues to thrive in the present day, with a variety of public events being hosted each year, ranging from art exhibits to guest speakers, and even refurbishing grave markers. They have been hosting Black History Month programs for more than 30 years as a way to recognize the contributions of historical and contemporary Black Canadians.
Those interested can visit the Black History Month 2025 event page to see what kinds of events are taking place this February.
While Black History Month allows us the opportunity to celebrate the achievements and diversity of Black people in Canada, it is also a time to reflect on the challenges that Black people face in this country, including systemic barriers, racism, and discrimination.
The Government of Canada continues to be dedicated in combatting systemic barriers and creating an equitable future for Black Canadians.
One endeavor undertaken is Canada’s Anti-Racism Strategy 2024-2028, which is dedicated to supporting community projects that protect racialized Canadians by providing access to resources that promote their participation in Canadian society while also raising attention to issues of racism and hate in Canada.
Drop by the Alexander College Library to check out our Black History Month display, which includes a variety of books discussing Black History Month, racism, and racial basis/stereotypes. Here are some of the titles on display:
Sources
Alexander College acknowledges that the land on which we usually gather is the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work in this territory.
Alexander College acknowledges that the land on which we usually gather is the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We are grateful to have the opportunity to work in this territory.
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