February is Black History Month, a time when Canadians celebrate and acknowledge the importance of the history, heritage, traditions and cultures of Black Canadians past and present. We also celebrate their significant contributions to our community and to Canada.

In 1995, the Canadian Federal Government officially recognized February as Black History Month in a motion introduced by the Honourable Jean Augustine, who was the first Black Canadian woman elected to parliament. In 2016, The Provincial Government of Ontario also proclaimed February as Black History month through Bill-159, which became the Black History Month Act.

Each year, Black History Month is celebrated across the country through various events, festivals, exhibits and more. Although we can’t gather in person this year, here are some ways to celebrate Black History Month at home:

• Participate in virtual events such as:
  • the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton - Black History Month Kickoff on January 31, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.;
  • the Toronto Public Library virtual Black History Month events hosted on February 9, 10, and 12;
  • the University of Toronto Black History Month events including an online symposium on February 8 and a film screening on February 12; and
  • a virtual event offered by Diversity best practices on February 23.
• Learn more about Oakville’s Black history from the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton and the Halton Black History Awareness Society.
• Read articles such as “The pervasive reality of anti-Black racism in Canada”
• Watch relevant TV shows and videos such as CBC’s “Being Black in Canada”, CBC’s Documentary “The skin we're in” and “The Underground Railroad (1815-1860) and “Hogan’s Alley.”
• Read more about Amanda Gorman, the 22 year old poet who captivated the audience while reading her inspirational poem during US President Joe Biden’s inauguration.
• Read inspirational storybooks about Black history with your children. There are many books available at your local public library to borrow and read as well.

There are also many organizations dedicated to supporting the success of Black people and communities. The Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton is a local organization that provides many valuable programs and services and has preserved historical accounts about Halton’s Black Community. I encourage you to visit their website to find resources and to learn more about the history of Black Canadians in Halton.

By celebrating the contributions of Black Canadians and working towards a more inclusive community for everyone, we can help keep Halton a great place to live, work, raise a family and retire.

To learn more about Black History Month in Canada, visit canada.ca.