History
What is Black History Month?
Black History Month is celebrated every February to honour, recognize, celebrate and discuss the legacies of Black people in Canada and around the world.
The month was created in February 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, known as the "father of Black history." Woodson aimed to encourage people of all ethnic and social backgrounds to discuss the Black experience. Woodson chose February as it coincides with the birthdates of former US President Abraham Lincoln and social reformer Frederick Douglass. Both men played a significant role in helping to end slavery.
By the late 1960s, thanks to the civil rights movement and a growing awareness of Black identity, Black History Week was celebrated by mayors in cities across the country. Eventually, the event evolved into Black History Month on many college campuses.
Timeline of Black History Month in Canada
1978 – The Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) was established. The founders Dr. Daniel G. Hill and Wilson O. Brooks petitioned the City of Toronto to have February formally proclaimed as Black History Month.
1979 – The first-ever proclamation was issued to have February as Black History Month in Toronto.
1988 – The first-ever Black History Month was celebrated in Nova Scotia.
1993 – The OBHS submitted a successful petition in Ontario to proclaim February as Black History Month. Later this petition evolved into having Black History Month recognized across Canada. Consequently, Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman, was elected to Parliament.
1995 – Introduced by Dr. Jean Augustine, a motion to recognize Black History Month across Canada was unanimously approved by the House of Commons.
1996 – Nova Scotia renamed Black History Month to African Heritage Month.
2008 - Senator Donald Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Senate, introduced the Motion to Recognize Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month. It was unanimously approved and adopted immediately.
Why is Black History Month important?
It is an important time to understand, discuss and share the struggles, achievements and contributions of Black people in Canada. Honouring Black History Month is a way of remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora.
