The commemoration of Black History Month in North America dates back to 1926, when Harvard-educated African American historian Carter G. Woodson proposed setting aside a time devoted to honouring the accomplishments of African Americans and to heighten awareness of Black history in the United States. This led to the establishment of Negro History Week in 1926. Celebrations of Black history began in Canada shortly thereafter. During the early 1970s, the week became known as Black History Week. It was expanded into Black History Month in 1976.
In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada, following a motion introduced by the first African Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine. The House of Commons carried the motion unanimously.
Photo: Oaktree b, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
In February 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 received unanimous approval and was adopted on March 4, 2008. The adoption of this motion completed Canada’s parliamentary position on Black History Month.
Here in Burlington, Black History Month observances started with a group of individuals and representatives from different agencies coming together to form a Black History Committee. Many educational and entertaining events were held with the goal being that our schools will eventually introduce Black history events during February and beyond.
Many very successful events were held from 2005, to observe the month and for many years later. It is very satisfying to see that both school boards in Halton have taken on hosting events to educate their students about Black history and that continues today.
Other individuals and groups have popped up in Halton and in Burlington and are involved in highlighting Black History Month, but it was representatives of the Burlington Caribbean Connection and the Halton Regional Police who were the pioneers in Burlington.
In Canada, we have either a day, a week, or a month to observe or remember many milestones. With regards to Black history, it should be all year round, not only in February, because Black people have contributed so much to our country, province, region and city.
