11 things to know about of Black Canadian History
Credit to Author: Margaret Jetelina| Date: Wed, 30 Jan 2019 07:59:07 +0000
February is Black History Month in Canada
Black History Month celebrates the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians. Here are 11 things to know about Black history in Canada.
Jean Augustine.
- While the commemoration of Black History Month dates back to 1926 in the U.S. and unofficially in Canada shortly thereafter, it was only in December 1995 that the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada, following a motion introduced by Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to federal Parliament.
- In 1790, a statute effectively allowed settlers to bring enslaved persons to Upper Canada. But, by 1793, an anti-slavery bill passed in Upper Canada, although it was not a complete ban. Slavery was officially abolished throughout the British colonies on August 1, 1834.
- Thousands of Black volunteers fought for the British during the War of 1812. Canada’s reputation as a safe haven for Black people grew at the time.
- In 1851, the Anti-Slavery Society of Canada was formed to aid in the extinction of slavery all over the world.
- In 1851, James Douglas became the first appointed Black politician in Canada and then took over as governor of the colony of British Columbia.
James Douglas.
- Until 1860, thousands of African Americans travelled the Underground Railroad from the U.S. to freedom in Canada.
- Despite the anti-slavery movement, discrimination against Black people was prominent in Canada in the early 20th century, with calls to avoid Black immigrants.
- Leonard Braithwaite became the first Black person in a provincial legislature when he was elected in Etobicoke, Ontario, in 1963. In 1964, Braithwaite introduced legislation to remove the law that allowed segregated schools to exist.
- Michaëlle Jean became Canada’s first Black governor general in 2005.
Former Governor General Jean.
- Former Governor General Jean.
- Today’s Black population in Canada is comprised of people from all around the world including Africa, South America, the Caribbean, Europe and the United States. In 2018, the African country of Nigeria was the fifth top source country of new immigrants, according to data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Viola Desmond.
11. A new $10 bill was issued in 2018 featuring Black racism activist Viola Desmond.