Black History Month 2024 at Moscrop
“A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots”
Marcus Mosiah Garvey Jr.
What is Black History Month?
Black History Month is an intentional time of year that provides necessary opportunities for all Canadians to learn more about Black culture, and for us to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black people. The month of February is a time of year to learn and dig deeper into people, places, cultural impacts, and movements from history to the present day. Black History Month has been celebrated globally since 1926, and it was recognized in our Canadian parliament in 1995.
Throughout history, Black Canadians have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous nation we know today. We recognize that Black history is Canadian history and should be a focus all year-round, but we also understand that heritage months/celebrations are important because they help explain the stories, complexities and the richness of groups within our larger national identity.
Black History Month is an intentional time of year that provides necessary opportunities for all Canadians to learn more about Black culture, and for us to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black people. The month of February is a time of year to learn and dig deeper into people, places, cultural impacts, and movements from history to the present day. Black History Month has been celebrated globally since 1926, and it was recognized in our Canadian parliament in 1995.
Throughout history, Black Canadians have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous nation we know today. We recognize that Black history is Canadian history and should be a focus all year-round, but we also understand that heritage months/celebrations are important because they help explain the stories, complexities and the richness of groups within our larger national identity.
What is the focus for Black History Month?
There is a different global theme each year. The theme for Black History Month 2024 is Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build.
We are often exposed to the struggles and oppression of Black people through events like the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, the Underground Railway, and current Black Lives Matter protests. The focus of this year is to learn about the joy, strength, and resilience of Black culture, in the same way that we want to uplift and embrace all cultural, ethnic and racial groups in Canada.
There is a different global theme each year. The theme for Black History Month 2024 is Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build.
We are often exposed to the struggles and oppression of Black people through events like the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, the Underground Railway, and current Black Lives Matter protests. The focus of this year is to learn about the joy, strength, and resilience of Black culture, in the same way that we want to uplift and embrace all cultural, ethnic and racial groups in Canada.
Why is this important for all Canadians?
Despite a presence in Canada that dates back farther than Samuel de Champlain’s first voyage down the St. Lawrence River, people of African descent are often absent from Canadian history and curriculum in schools, textbooks and historical accounts. There is little mention of the fact that slavery once existed in the territory that is now Canada, or that many of the Loyalists who came here after the American Revolution and settled in the Maritimes were Black. Few Canadians are aware of the many sacrifices made in wartime by Black Canadian soldiers, as far back as the War of 1812.
Black History Month is a chance to uplift and raise awareness of the many global innovations and inventions created by Black thinkers. Ideas like the traffic light and digital cell phone, or cultural movements such as the Harlem Renaissance. It is a time to highlight amazing astronauts like Mae Jemison, soccer superstars like Alfonso Davies, musicians and Pulitzer Prize winner Kendrick Lamar, and activist leaders like Janaya 'Future' Khan.
Despite a presence in Canada that dates back farther than Samuel de Champlain’s first voyage down the St. Lawrence River, people of African descent are often absent from Canadian history and curriculum in schools, textbooks and historical accounts. There is little mention of the fact that slavery once existed in the territory that is now Canada, or that many of the Loyalists who came here after the American Revolution and settled in the Maritimes were Black. Few Canadians are aware of the many sacrifices made in wartime by Black Canadian soldiers, as far back as the War of 1812.
Black History Month is a chance to uplift and raise awareness of the many global innovations and inventions created by Black thinkers. Ideas like the traffic light and digital cell phone, or cultural movements such as the Harlem Renaissance. It is a time to highlight amazing astronauts like Mae Jemison, soccer superstars like Alfonso Davies, musicians and Pulitzer Prize winner Kendrick Lamar, and activist leaders like Janaya 'Future' Khan.
Want to know more and get involved?
Find out about EVENTS going on at Moscrop and in the community.
Take a look at some more examples of BLACK LEADERS DEMONSTRATING EXCELLENCE here.
Dig deeper by exploring 28 Examples of Excellence here
Find MEDIA RESOURCES that you can watch, listen and read here.
Find TEACHING RESOURCES here.