Black History Month
Video by the Ontario Black History Society.
February is Black History Month across Canada.
Black History Month (BHM) is an important reminder to learn about and preserve black history because much of Black Canadian history has been ignored and erased. Black History Month is also a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities.
The Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) is responsible for initiating the celebration of Black History Month in Canada.
Here is the mission of the Ontario Black History Society.
Their mission reinforces why Black History Month is significant and offers us goals for Black History:
"The Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) is a registered Canadian charity, dedicated to the study, preservation and promotion of Black History and heritage. The Society aims to encourage public interest in Black History through the:
Recognition and documentation of the contributions of peoples of African descent and their collective histories, past and present, through education, research and collaboration.
Development and support of educational initiatives and exhibits.
Inclusion of Black History material in school curricula."
Each year, the Government of Canada selects a theme for Black Heritage Month:
Black History is Canadian History
Do you want to learn more about Black History Month and Black History?
Check out the Links to Learn More listed below, or click here for the list of learning resources.
How Black History Month Began in Canada
In 1993, the Ontario Black History Society (or OBHS, established in 1978) successfully filed a petition in Ontario to proclaim February as Black History Month.
Afterward, the president of OBHS, Rosemary Sadlier, introduced the idea of celebrating BHM across Canada to the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to parliament. BHM became officially recognized in Canada in 1995,
Later, Senator Donald Oliver introduced the Motion to Recognize Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month.
About Black History Month, Canadian History, and Black Futures
CBC Kids News contributor Ainara Alleyne shares information about Black History Month's past, present, and future.
Links to Learn More
Learning Resources for Black History in Ottawa
Ontario Specific Black History
Buxton National Historic Site & Museum (for history of Buxton, Ontario and the Underground Railroad)
Josiah Henson Museum (Conductor of the Underground Railroad. Dresdon, Ontario)
Ontario Southwest - Black History in Ontario’s Southwest
TVO Today - Ontarian should know more about the Black history of Oakville
Local Organizations
Other Organizations
Learning Resources for Black History
Amherstburg Freedom Museum (the North American Black History Museum in Amherstburg, Ontario)
Rella Black History Foundation: 75 Years of Preserving Black History
Sankofa Community Courses - African History Class Archive (free classes)
10 Important Terms To Learn For Black History Month (from Dictionary.com)
Black History Playlist from the Historica Canada Youtube Channel
CBC News - Hogan’s Alley: Why a thriving Black community in Vancouver was demolished