Black History Month: Learn and Grow
Today is the first day of Black History Month. It’s one opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Black Canadians who make our country and the communities we live in vibrant, compassionate, and strong.
As we reflect on Black history and take stock of our world today, it’s clear: We have a long way to go in our shared fight against anti-Black racism, systemic oppression, and injustice. Together, we can build a better world. A great place to start is for each of us to commit to continuous learning and growth.
February is the perfect month to start or expand on the work of deepening our understanding of Black history, Black culture, and the issues facing Black communities today.
Not sure where to begin? We’ve compiled a list of a few resources that can help guide you in this work.
Black history is so much more than just a hashtag, but following the right accounts is one way to stay connected to information, events, and resources year-round.
Here are a few accounts to check out:
- Ontario Black History Society | @OBHistory
A registered Canadian charity dedicated to the study, preservation and promotion of Black History and heritage in Ontario. - Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion | @CCDISocial
Focuses on topics of inclusion relevant to Canada. - Media Girlfriends | @mediagfs
A podcast production co. and scholarship supporting women and gender diverse journalists. Follow them for information on their new podcast Strong and Free – a six-part series to learn more about Black history in Canada.
Hashtags to follow this month:
#BlackHistory
#BlackHistoryMonth
#Bhm
#BlackLivesMatter
- The Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion is hosting webinars on Addressing anti-Black racism in the workplace and the History of race and racism in Canada.
- Ontario Black History Society is hosting events throughout the month, including The History of Black People in America 1619-2021.
- MacEwan University is presenting a series of events, including Tracking Black Canada – Trailblazers Edition, which takes participants around the country while focusing on the often-forgotten histories of early Black communities in Canada.
- Centennial College is sharing virtual programming including a panel discussion on Reflecting on and Revitalizing Black Power.
- The Toronto Public Library is hosting a collection of special events that honour Black heritage, as well as live and on-demand events and replays of past events.
We also recommend checking your municipality’s events calendar or local schools, libraries, and universities to see what’s happening in your own community.
Book recommendations:
- The Skin We’re In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power by Desmond Cole
National bestseller and winner of the 2020 Toronto Book Award. - Me and White Supremacy by Layla F. Saad
Bestselling workbook that guides readers through a journey of understanding their white privilege. - Stories for Kids
It’s never too early to learn about Black history. Check out this curated list of stories for children. - Check out Goodreads full list of recommendations for more reading.
Online resources:
- The Canadian Encyclopedia – Black History
Includes Heritages videos, downloadable study guides, historical timelines, and photo galleries. - Government of Canada
Information on this year’s theme February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day. - Unsung Heroes: Young Leaders of the Civil Rights Movement
We don’t often hear about the children and youth who played brave roles in the Civil Rights Movement. Children’s Defense Fund is showcasing a few of these unsung heroes.
Donate to a cause you believe in. There are a lot of organizations doing great work. Here are a few you can support:
- Amherstburg Freedom Museum
- Black Youth Helpline
- Black Business and Professional Association
- Black Legal Action Centre
- Federation of Black Canadians
- Harriet Tubman Community Organization
- Ontario Black History Society
- Women’s Health in Women’s Hands Community Health Centre
