February is the month dedicated to celebrating the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous nation it is today. 

Black History Month is also an opportunity to highlight the best of Black history and culture, and to honour the ancestors and leaders of Black communities, their accomplishments and their continued fight for liberation. Black History should be recognized 365 days a year, and not limited to a single month. Canadians are encouraged to take the time to reflect and educate themselves on the history of the enslavement, discrimination and criminalization of people of African descent, and to remember that racism is still a part of our society.

Canadian society has seen progress over the decades, but African Canadians continue to experience differential treatment, discrimination, and unjust profiling, both in our workplaces and in our communities.

CEIU is committed to fighting racism and promoting employment equity in the workplace, within our own union, and in our communities. As part of our commitment, CEIU will:

• Continue to pressure the government to address systemic racism in the workplace and to implement the Call to Action outlined by the Privy Council
• Engage and mobilize our membership by providing resources and support throughout the year
• Continue to push the government to make anti-racism training a priority for all its employees.

CEIU will work towards meaningful and attainable change for Black, Indigenous and racialized members, including those with intersecting identities. Our union is committed to fighting racism and hatred in all forms. We encourage members not to be neutral when witnessing racism in any form. Instead, commit to not looking the other way and stand up for what is right: If You See Something, Say Something.

What you can do:

• Participate in Black History events hosted within your local communities and through the employer.
• Support a local Black entrepreneur/business
• Watch an educational film on Black History with your family and friends
• Learn more by checking out the resources below

  Educational resources

• Anti-Slavery Society in Canada – Canadian Encyclopedia
• Black History Month in Canada's Digital Collections
• Black History Canada Portal
• Canadian Encyclopedia: Black History in Canada
• Mary Ann Shadd Cary – Canadian Encyclopedia
• Remember Africville (National Film Board of Canada)

Sarita Censoni- CEIU National HRRR- Female Racially Visible Representative

Farid Tourkmani- CEIU National HRRR –Male Racially Visible Representative.