Did you know that Black History Month, which takes place every February and honours the contributions of Black Canadians and their communities, draws individuals from all over the country?
The 2023 theme for Black History Month is: “Ours to tell”. This theme represents both an opportunity to engage in open dialogue and a commitment to learning more about the stories Black communities in Canada have to tell about their histories, successes, sacrifices and triumphs.
Since the early 1600s, when the navigator and translator Mathieu Da Costa arrived in Canada, Black Canadians and their communities have played a significant role in defining the country's history and identity.
The Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) began operations in 1978. Dr. Daniel G. Hill and Wilson O. Brooks, among its founders, petitioned the City of Toronto to declare February official Black History Month. The first Canadian proclamation was made by Toronto in 1979.
African Heritage Month was initially recognised in Nova Scotia in 1988, and it was later titled as such in 1996.
The OBHS successfully petitioned Ontario in 1993 to declare February to be Black History Month. Following that achievement, the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black woman to be elected to Parliament in Canada, was presented with the concept of Black History Month by Rosemary Sadlier, president of the OBHS.
Following the introduction of a resolution by Dr. Augustine, the House of Commons declared February to be Black History Month in Canada in December 1995. The resolution was adopted by the Commons with no opposition.
The Motion to Recognize Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month was introduced by Senator Donald Oliver, the first Black man to be appointed to the Senate, in February 2008. On March 4, 2008, it was unanimously approved and accepted. The parliamentary position of Canada on Black History Month was finished with the passage of this motion.
Learn more about these Canadian tales and the numerous other significant contributions that Black Canadians and their communities have made to the past, present, and future of this nation during Black History Month.
Here at Geoffrey R. Weller Library, we have put together a display of works that provide more information about Black History in Canada.
Not living in Prince George? Take a look at some of the works that are available as e-books at the Geoffrey R. Weller Library:
Text adapted from Black History Month Canada
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