Melanistic Magazine - Vol 5

Senator Donald Oliver, First Afro-Canadian to be seated in the Senate Image Courtesy of The Senate of Canada

Acknowledging and Embracing Black History Month In Canada - A Crucial Step

By: Patrina Duhaney, Rachel Van Ee & Keisha Smuk

February is recognized as Black history month and is celebrated each year across Canada. The origins of Black history month dates back to 1926 when first introduced by Carter G. Woodson and other prominent Black Americans. Originally known as Negro History Week or Black History Week, these celebrations were later expanded into Black History Month. Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black-Canadian woman elected to the House of Commons and Senator Donald Oliver, the first Black Canadian man appointed to the Senate, played a significant role in proclaiming February as Black History Month. On December 14, 1995, Honourable Jean Augustine proposed the motion to recognize February as Black History Month. Senator Donald Oliver put forward a similar motion on February 14, 2008 to formally recognize February as Black History in the Senate, solidifying a long-lasting tradition in Canada.

The month of February is set aside to acknowledge and promote the achievements, contributions, and accomplishments of Black people. There is also a heightened awareness of Black people’s historical oppression, marginalization, resistance and ongoing struggles. Despite its historical presence in Canada, Black History Month was only recently recognized in Alberta on February 1, 2017.

The acknowledgement of Black History Month in Alberta is a positive step, however, the erasure of Black people’s experiences in Alberta and across Canada is still evident. In particular, their legacy remains largely absent from history books and school curriculum. Furthermore, there lies significant ignorance to the persistent and ongoing racism Black people face in Canada.

From the early 1600s Black people were captured and enslaved by white settlers, until the abolition of slavery in 1833. In western provinces, the movement of Black peoples to the prairies resulted in harsh outcry and parliamentary disputes. Although slavery was outlawed, Black peoples were seen as inferior and unambitious, contributing to discrimination, economic marginalization and social isolation. In the early 1900’s, Black migrants were discouraged from entering Canada, and rigorous measures were enacted to prevent their entry. Although, the Black population has doubled in size over the last 20 years, the stark realities of ongoing discrimination and racism remain. Black children, youth and adults are overrepresented in the child welfare system and criminal justice system and face an upward battle receiving equitable pay in the workforce.

With decreases in funding to public education and healthcare, and a retreat from collective interest, there seems to be a lack of attention to social issues such as racism and marginalization. In fact, Alberta has not made the intentional move towards acknowledging and addressing anti-Black racism. However, given our current social and political climate, it is time Albertans embrace Black History Month in our communities, schools, workplaces, and homes.