February is Black History Month in Canada

Credit to Author: Canadian Immigrant| Date: Mon, 12 Feb 2024 22:35:05 +0000

Every February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and festivities that honour the legacy of Black people in Canada and their communities.

Jean Augustine

The 2024 theme for Black History Month is: “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build”. This theme celebrates the rich past and present contributions and accomplishments of Black people in Canada, while aspiring to embrace new opportunities for the future.

Black History Month was officially recognized in December 1995 by Canada’s House of Commons, following a motion put forward by MP Jean Augustine, the first black Canadian to be elected to Parliament. An immigrant from Grenada, Augustine is a Top 25 Canadian Immigrant (2011).

“Black Canadian history is Canadian history,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a statement issued for Black History Month. He highlighted the extraordinary journeys of Black Canadians. “From groundbreaking trailblazers in halls of fame and history books to unsung heroes in communities across the country, Black excellence is all around us. We celebrate Stephanie Bernard, the founder of the Nunavut Black History Society and a community leader advancing Black-Canadian arts, and culture. We celebrate Abraham Beverley Walker, the first Canadian-born Black lawyer and first Black New Brunswicker to publish a magazine. Black Canadians have played a pivotal role in making Canada the diverse, prosperous, and compassionate place we know and love.”

The events and festivities in February offer an excellent opportunity for newcomers and immigrants to learn about Black history. Here are 11 things to know about Black Canadian History. 

The post February is Black History Month in Canada first appeared on Canadian Immigrant.
http://canadianimmigrant.ca/feed