Black History Month is an opportunity for all Canadians to learn about the many contributions Black Canadians have made to Canada.
In December of 1995, the Parliament of Canada recognized February as Black History Month following a motion introduced by the first African Canadian woman elected to Parliament, Jean Augustine.
Black history refers to the stories, experiences, and accomplishments of people of African origin. Black history did not begin in recent times in Canada, but in ancient times in Africa. African Canadians are a community comprised of individuals from all over the world, including: The United States, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and Canada.
Throughout our history, Black Canadians have played a key role in building and shaping this diverse country.
We encourage everyone to take some time during Black History Month and take part in the many activities that are happening across the country and in your community.
Remember, Black History is everyone’s history.
CEIU, through its Human Rights and Race Relations (HRRR) Committee, continues to be a leader in the advancement of human rights for members of African descent, as well as Black members, including those who self-identify as being racially visible, Indigenous, living with a disability or as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
This year’s theme for Black History Month is “Canadians of African Descent: Going forward, guided by the past”. This was inspired by the theme of the United Nations’ International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024).
Feet forward, head turned backward, the Sankofa bird reflects on the past to build a successful future.
Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month/poster.html
Black History Month 2020 Poster
Farid Tourkmani was the alternate to the RV Representative. He moved into the position prior to the last HRRR conference. Since joining the committee in 2019, he learned a lot thanks to all members of the HRRR committee for welcoming him and sharing their knowledge. He was pleased to work with the committee on the Black History Month questionnaire.
Judy Phillips is also RV Representative on the HRRR Committee.