Every February, we celebrate Black History Month in Canada. Black History Month honours and celebrates the legacy and achievements of Black people and communities in Canada. Each Black History Month raises awareness about an aspect of Black history – this year’s theme is “Ours to Tell.” This theme encourages us to commit to learning about the stories Black communities in Canada have to tell about their histories, successes, sacrifices and triumphs.
It’s impossible to talk about Canadian history without Black history. Black Canadians’ experiences, sacrifices and contributions have shaped our country from the beginning. It is important for us, as Canadians, to learn about Black history and acknowledge the significant racism, oppression and discrimination Black communities have faced.
- In the 1600s, the first person of African heritage arrived in New France, now known as Canada. In 1689, King Louis XIV of France authorized the enslavement of Black and Indigenous people in New France.[1]
- In the 1700s, most Black individuals in Nova Scotia were enslaved by English settlers. During the American Revolutionary War (1755-83), Black Loyalists settled throughout Nova Scotia but continued to face hostility, inequality and discrimination.[2]
- In the 1800s, many Black communities were established across Canada. In 1833, an act was passed to end enslavement in Canada however, only slaves six years and younger were freed.[3] Others continued to work as unpaid apprentices until full emancipation was achieved in 1838.[4] Between 1834-1865, about 30,000 Black people arrived in Canada via the Underground Railroad.[5]
- After slavery was abolished, Black communities in Canada were segregated throughout most of the 1900s. It wasn’t until 1983 that the last segregated school in Canada was closed.[6]
As I reflect on the importance of honouring Black Canadians’ history and successes, I recognize that Black History Month isn’t just a time to look back on the past – something that someone else might have done to Black communities. It is also an opportunity for us to acknowledge our own unconscious bias and the barriers Black communities continue to face today, and to commit to understanding our role as allies in dismantling the systemic racism and discrimination still prevalent today.
At Yee Hong, our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) team continues to explore what EDI means for us as employees and as an organization, and what specifically we can do to improve our attitudes, beliefs and behaviours each day. We have begun to learn about the lived experiences of Black and other diverse communities and are reflecting on our own unconscious biases.
We all play a part in this ongoing journey – I encourage all members of our Yee Hong Family to create a more equitable, inclusive and diverse workplace and society by learning about Black history and reflecting on what we can do to strengthen our relationships with Black communities and other cultures, not only in February, but year-round.
As a starting point, here are some readings and resources to support your learning:
- The Government of Canada complied various educational resources about Black History Month.
- This video playlist features 28 Black youths’ experiences in Canada and a mini lesson on an important moment or figure in Black Canadian History.
- Black Health Alliance’s knowledge hub features various reports and educational resources about Black communities’ health and wellbeing.
- Many Black-led initiatives are working to drive positive change for Black communities. Learn more about their important work.
References:
[1] Henry, N. (2016). Black enslavement in Canada. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/black-enslavement
[2] Oyeniran, C. (2019). Black loyalists in British North America. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/black-loyalists-in-british-north-America
[3] Henry, N. (2014). Slavery abolition act, 1833. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/slavery-abolition-act-1833
[4] BC Black History Awareness Society. Emancipation Day in Canada: Past, present and future. https://bcblackhistory.ca/emancipation-day-in-canada-past-present-and-future/
[5] Henry, N. (2006). Underground railroad. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/underground-railroad
[6] Henry, N. (2019). Racial segregation of Black people in Canada. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/racial-segregation-of-black-people-in-Canada