New to Canada

If you are new to Canada, you may be wondering…what is Black History Month all about?

Well, here is some history for you! Black History Month actually began as Black History Week back in 1926 when an American historian, Carter G. Woodson, and the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History announced that the second week of February would be celebrated as Negro History Week. In February 1970, through the urging of the Black United Students at Kent State University, Black History Week expanded to become a month long celebration in the United States. 

In 1995, Canada began to celebrate Black History Month as well, thanks to the initiative of the Honourable Jean Augustine, Canada’s first Black Member of Parliament.

You may also be wondering…why February? Well, it turns out that the second week in February coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln, on February 12th, and Frederick Douglass, on February 14th. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, worked to end slavery. Frederick Douglass, himself once a slave, was a prominent abolitionist. Black communities have been celebrating both those dates since the late 19th century. 

Here is a quick overview of Black History in Canada, courtesy Historica Canada.

Programs at the Library

There are many ways to celebrate Black History Month this year and a program at the Library is a perfect place to start! There is something for everyone. You can attend a drumming workshop, enjoy the melodies of Black Opera, or stimulate your mind at an author talk or lecture. 

Recommended Reading

If staying in is more your style, curl up with one of the books on our recommended reading list (2019) for all ages or check out the Rita Cox Black and Caribbean Heritage Collection, where you will find thousands of wonderful items. Recognized as one of the most significant Black and Caribbean heritage collections in Canada, it is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in learning more about Black and Caribbean culture.

Have a look at this video series produced by Canadian Heritage. Learn about Elijah "The Real" McCoy, William Hall, Harriet Tubman and the Canadian Black Battalion through short clips or transcripts.  

Today, Black History Month is much more than looking at our past. It's also about celebrating our current successes and looking forward to a bright future. Why should you celebrate Black history? Because it is Canadian history and we all make up this beautiful country.

Related Blog Posts

You may also enjoy reading some of these blog posts written by library staff.

Canadian Children’s Books for Black History Month, February 2019

Celebrate Black History Month with Music by Black Composers on Naxos

I Have Been to the Mountaintop: The Speeches and Writings of Martin Luther King