Black History
Black History is Canadian History
Video by the Ontario Black History Society.
Black history is Canadian history.
It is important to learn about and preserve history, yet much of Black Canadian history has been ignored and erased.
Black History Month, recognized in February, is a great way to remember and preserve black history, but this history and voices should be acknowledged year-round.
But why February? Click here to learn more about the origins of Black History Month. (Opens link to Brittanica).
The Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) has played a very important role in the study, preservation, and promotion of black history. OBHS is responsible for initiating the celebration of Black History Month in Canada. Here is their mission:
"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."
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
CBC News - Hogan’s Alley: Why a thriving Black community in Vancouver was demolished
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