Eastdale Diversity Club

Black History Month

What is Black History Month? Why do we celebrate it?

Every February, Canadians are invited to participate in Black History Month festivities and events that honour the legacy of Black Canadians, past and present.

During Black History Month, Canadians celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation it is today.

Celebrating Black History Month | CBC NewsCBC is celebrating Black History Month by highlighting the work of Black creators, storytellers and changemakers across CBC platforms.

Black History Month: Celebrating excellence and achievement in CanadaCanada’s theme for Black History Month is ‘February and Forever’ and celebrating excellence and achievement is just the start of a process that lasts all year.

Notable Figures

For Black History Month, diversity club created two poster series. The first series highlights Black Canadian Achievement in history. The second features Young Black Canadian Leaders.

Celebrating Black Canadian Achievement

Highlighting Young Black Canadian Leaders

Celebrating Black Changemakers Whose Stories You May Not Know | CBC NewsIn celebration of Black History Month, we will be highlighting Toronto changemakers whose contributions shaped our community.

STEM

Engagement Activity: Research a Black Canadian in STEM and write a short biography on their accomplishments. Compare with peers, then create a display sharing all the amazing Black Canadians discovered in STEM.

View the stories below to get started on learning about Black Canadians in STEM.

ingeniumcanada.org/channel/articles/honouring-black-canadians-in-science-and-technology

This website shares short biographies on three historical Black Canadians in the STEM field.

HERstory in Black: Eugenia Duodu | CBC NewsIn honour of Black History month, CBC brings you stories from HERstory in Black, a Toronto-based digital photo series profiling 150 black women from the GTA and other parts of Ontario by How She Hustles, a network of 5,000 diverse women.

Black Canadians in STEM: Read the articles below and answer the discussion questions provided.

https://www.signalsblog.ca/right-turn-the-need-for-diversity-in-stem

Discussion Questions: Why is it important to have diversity in the STEM field?

What can schools/government do to keep African American and African Canadian students in STEM programs and professions?

New Ontario funding will help Black youth interested in STEM, finance careersOntario’s Ministry of Children and Youth Services says the move will help fight the underrepresentation of young Black people in fields such as in fin...

Discussion Questions: How will the Black Youth Action Plan support Black Canadians in STEM and Black communities?

Literature

54 YA Books You Need to Read—Especially During Black History MonthIt’s time to celebrate Black History Month book nerd style with these 54 YA books! Here are our recommendations for books to read this (and every!) month!

7 Important Books to Celebrate During Black History Month - Penguin TeenBlack History Month is here, and now, more than ever, we need to celebrate the accomplishments of those who have left a mark on black history and acknowledge that there is still work (and reading!) to do. Luckily, we have a long list of books to explore. Read on for some of our favorite books that … Continued

25 books about being Black in Canada | CBC BooksRead these works of fiction, nonfiction and poetry about the experience of Black Canadians.

Check out this article for a list of 25 books about being Black in Canada

14 must-read works of fiction by Black Canadian authors | CBC BooksLooking for something to read during Black History Month? Here are 14 great works that should be on every Canadian's bookshelf.

Check out this article for a list of 14 must-read works of fiction by Black Canadian authors

Engagement Activity: Use the following links to access a variety of poems by Black poets.

1) Individually or in a small group, choose a poem and identify as many poetic devices/figurative language that you can find.

2) Individually or in a small group, choose a poem, read/research the poet to analyze the author's purpose and message.

3) In small groups, students can choose a poem and read using a variety of choral speaking strategies

https://poets.org/12-poems-read-black-history-month

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46446/still-i-rise

Read the full text of Amanda Gorman's inaugural poem 'The Hill We Climb'Amanda Gorman made history Wednesday when she became the youngest inaugural poet during President Joe Biden's swearing-in ceremony in Washington.

Read their powerful poems about being black in Canada | CBC NewsAudrey Esemezie immigrated to Canada from Nigeria when she was 11 years old. Glenys Obasi moved from Cameroon when she was 12. Today they are both studying at Western University. They've each written a poem about growing up black in Canada.

History

The Underground Railroad

Discussion Question: How did The Underground Railroad shape Canada's identity?

Canada's Black Neighbourhoods: Hogan's Alley and Africville

Engagement Activity: Using a Venn Diagram, compare and contrast the community of Hogan's Alley and Africville. What was similar and what was different?

Discussion Questions: Both Hogan's Alley and Africville were demolished. Why are some people upset with this decision?

No.2 Construction Battalion

Discussion Question: Despite initially being turned down from service and the unequal treatment in the army, why would Black Canadians still enlist for the No. 2 Construction Battalion?

The story of Canada’s WWI all-Black military battalion | CBC KidsThe No. 2 Construction Battalion was made up of 605 men who volunteered to serve in the Canadian military.

Sports

Engagement Activity: Research a Black Canadian athlete and write a short biography on their accomplishments. Compare with peers, then create a display sharing all the amazing Black Canadians athletes.

View the stories below to get started on learning about Black Canadians in sports.

10 black Canadian athletes who made history | CBC KidsThis Black History Month, check out some important moments in Canada’s sports history involving black athletes!

Canada's Olympic athletes talk Black History Month and wanting to 'write history'Set to make his Olympic debut this month, short track speed skater Jordan Pierre-Gilles talks to CTV News about being one of the few Black athletes in the sport, setting an example for young kids and making speed skating more accessible. CTV News also spoke to Josh Ho-Sang of the men’s hockey team about his first Olympic Games.

Black History Month – Celebrating Black Canadian track and field athletes past and present - Athletics CanadaOur sport has deep roots when it comes to Black history in Canada and, throughout the month of February, we are going to highlight a number of individuals who produced outstanding performances.

Black athletes who made Olympic sport history in CanadaBlack History Month is about honouring Black Canadians, past and present. We look to celebrate the contributions of Black athletes who...

Food & Nutrition

Check out these recipes for some traditional African dishes!

Classic Nigerian Jollof Rice Recipe on Food52Jollof rice is a unifying dish across West Africa. This classic Nigerian jollof rice recipe always has three things: rice, a tomato stew, and seasoning.

Senegalese Lemon Chicken RecipeThis chicken stew, called yassa in Senegal, is the first West African dish I tasted on the continent. Now, it's my good luck dish.

Cucumber Mango SaladFresh cucumber and tropical mango come together with a sweet and spicy dressing to make this light and refreshing Cucumber Mango Salad.

East African Braised Chicken RecipeBraising in a highly spiced aromatic liquid yields an exceptionally flavorful and tender result. Serve this adaptation of an East African dish with a bowl of plain low-fat yogurt and flatbreads or couscous.

Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe with Peas and Corn (Irio)Mashed Sweet Potato Recipe with Peas and Corn (Irio) A classic Kenyan dish that is a hearty combination of mashed sweet potatoes, peas, corn and sometimes spinach

38 Jubilant Recipes to Kick Off Black History MonthA virtual potluck with stewed okra, sourdough cornbread, jerk shrimp cakes, and so much more.

Mafé - Traditional Senegalese Recipe | 196 flavorsMafé is a traditional West African recipe that consists of a beef stew cooked in peanut butter and tomatoes.

52 recipes from Black chefs to celebrate Black historyWe've rounded up some of our favorite recipes from cuisines spanning from West African to Caribbean and Creole to Southern.

Celebrate Black History Month with 38 Soul-Filling RecipesSince 2017, Meiko Temple has partnered with dozens of amazing Black food bloggers to create a virtual potluck menu in honor of Black History Month. Here's what everyone made for 2021!

Page updated

Report abuse