People of African descent have been a part of shaping Canada’s heritage and identity since the arrival of Mathieu Da Costa, a navigator and interpreter, whose presence in Canada dates back to the early 1600s.
The role of people of African descent in Canada has not always been viewed as a key feature in Canada’s historic landscape. There is little mention that some of the Loyalists who came here after the American Revolution and settled in the Maritimes were people of African descent, or of the many sacrifices made in wartime by soldiers of African descent as far back as the War of 1812.
Few Canadians are aware of the fact that African people were once enslaved in the territory that is now Canada, or of how those who fought enslavement helped to lay the foundation of Canada’s diverse and inclusive society.
Black History/Heritage Month is a time to learn more about these Canadian stories and the many other important contributions of Black Canadians to the settlement, growth and development of Canada, and about the diversity of Black communities in Canada and their importance to the history of this country.
Source: Government of Canada. Black History in Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month/about.html
Coming Up...
Tuesday, February 23, 2021 - Challenging Anti-Black Racism (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) with Sacha Ally and Adam Benn
- Explore the impact of anti-Black racial microaggressions in the Virtual Environment
- Discuss using “microinterventions” as a strategy for addressing anti-Black racism
Friday, February 26, 2021 - Understanding the Determinants of Health for a Healthy and Inclusive Community (9:30 a..m to 12 p.m.) with Dr. Roberta Timothy
- To examine your positionality within equity work
- To understand the determinants of health and its importance to anti-oppression (EDI) practice
- To examine how equity can be centered in building healthy and inclusive communities (Access and Equity: Students & Employees, Curriculum and Programs, Campus Culture, and College-Wide Communication and Engagement)
To register, email zareena.khan@humber.ca.
February’s Playlist
Borrowing a page from President Barack Obama, the Centre is pleased to offer a playlist of some of our favourite artists:
