Learning Centre

About Canada’s Black History Month

February 1926 marked the first “Negro History Week,” in the U.S. to raise awareness about African experiences around the world. Canada followed suit, in the 1950s when the Canadian Negro Women's Association brought the celebration to Toronto. It wasn’t until 1979 when Toronto became the first municipality to proclaim Black History Month and finally in 1995 the House of Commons recognized Black History Month across Canada.

As Rosemary Sadlier, says, “As a people, with roots dating back to 1603, African-Canadians have defended, cleared, built and farmed this country; our presence is well established, but not well-known. The celebration of Black History Month is an attempt to have the achievements of Black people recognized and told.”

Take a look below for interesting Black History Month articles and links to important historical documents:

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