Reflections on Black History Month

What were some of the challenges you faced? 

One of the consistent challenges was the complete denial or disbelief that there was a Black history in Canada, that there were Black people in Canada, or that Black people had contributed to the development of this country. As a generational Black Canadian, whose ancestors are connected to all of the first waves of migration to Canada — including Black Loyalists, late Loyalists, refugees of the War of 1812, and survivors of the Underground Railroad — I knew we were here. It was my biggest challenge, in addition to funding and resources.

How has the recognition of Black History Month evolved over the last three decades? 

Events still take place in February and still provide educational, artistic, musical, dance, and dramatic presentations. But I believe these individual or small-scale efforts require greater support to become more nationally impactful and connected, rather than locally interesting and novel.

What is the best way to meet contemporary challenges? 

The contemporary challenges lie in the historic underfunding to organizations committed to creating and supplying programs and events for the broader community; the lack of a required Black-history curriculum from kindergarten to grade twelve; and the challenges to diversity, equity, and inclusion and progressive histories. They’re tied up, not only in the nature of grants for the organizations themselves and for events to take place but also in the slow acceptance of Black history as an integral part of Canadian history.

I headed the OBHS for twenty-two years without pay. My situation at that time was such that it was possible, although still demanding and challenging for me and my family. Having a national body staffed, funded, and willing to consider the diverse nature of the African-Canadian community could move this awareness raising into more tangible benefits for all Canadians.