Celebrating Black History Month

Celebrating Black History Month

“History is not the past. It is the present. We carry our history with us. We are our history.” – Esi Edugyan, Canadian novelist

This blog delves into why we celebrate Black History Month, highlights notable Black Canadians, what we can do to better educate ourselves and our children, and how we can get involved in our community. There is also a list of resources that many BGC Ottawa Members, their families and the Black community might find helpful.
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What is Black History Month?

Black History Month is a time to honour, recognize and celebrate the achievements, resilience and contributions of Black Canadians throughout history.

It is an opportunity to reflect on their lasting impact on our communities, acknowledge the challenges they have overcome, and highlight how their legacy continues to shape and inspire future generations.

For centuries, Black Canadians have shaped the fabric of the nation. From the Underground Railroad – a lifeline for enslaved African Americans seeking freedom in Canada – to modern-day trailblazers in arts, politics and science, Black Canadians have played a pivotal role in building a more inclusive society.

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‍Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations

This year’s theme for Black History Month is: “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.” This theme acknowledges the diversity of Black Canadians, the importance of Black leadership and the legacy being built for future generations.

Black History Month aims to amplify Black voices. The words of leaders and visionaries who dedicated their lives to Black empowerment and the fight for equality are worth repeating. These messages empower the oppressed, inspire future generations, and call on every member of society to treat all humans with fairness and dignity.

Here’s a look at some famous – and not so famous – quotes that resonated with us:

“We must open the doors, and we must see to it, they remain open, so that others can pass through.” – Rosemary Brown, first black woman elected to a provincial legislature in Canada

“Do your little bit of good where you are, it's those little bits of good that overwhelm the world.” – Viola Desmond, businesswoman and civil rights activist

“Follow your passion, be prepared to work hard and sacrifice, and above all, don’t let anyone limit your dreams.” – Donovan Bailey, Canadian sprinter and the first man in history to be World champion, Olympic Champion and World Record Holder at the same time.

“If we want to create change in Canada – if we want to have more people from communities who aren’t only represented – the answer isn’t to move towards tokenization and propping people up. The answer is to give people the tools to prop themselves up.” – Sarah Jama, co-founder of Disability Justice Network of Ontario

Many incredible Black leaders have set foot inside a BGC Ottawa Clubhouse and have made a lasting impact on our Members, their families and the community. Help us celebrate them later this month and throughout the year by sharing their stories, telling us about the positive impact they have had on your life and how they continue to help shape our BGC Ottawa family.

Contact us today: www.bgcottawa.org/contact-us (select ‘I want to tell my story’) or send us a direct message via any of our social media channels.

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‍How we can fight anti-Black racism

Racism, in any form, is unacceptable and has no place in Canada, Ottawa or our Clubhouses.

It runs counter to the values and spirit of the diverse and inclusive space that we strive to create. It is our collective responsibility to step up, be allies and stand together against xenophobia, hate fueled by misinformation and all forms of racism, including anti-Black racism.

Here are some ways we can all contribute to tackling anti-Black racism and building an even better and consciously more inclusive society where everyone is able to participate fully:

• Learn about Black diversity and the unique histories and cultures within Black communities.
• Challenge stereotypes and acknowledge how they are rooted in the history of racism.
• Show solidarity with Black communities in Ottawa by supporting local Black and Black-owned businesses and organizations.
• Be an ally by calling out acts of racism, discrimination and micro aggression, and actively supporting those victimized by racism.
• Challenge unconscious biases and consider how they can affect your behaviour and decision-making.
  

Thanks to our incredible donors, supporters and the community, BGC Ottawa provides safe, supportive places where all kids and teens, of all backgrounds, can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, and develop confidence and skills for life. We achieve this through representation in our staff, the resources we provide and specific training so we can better support our Members and their families.

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What Can We Do?

BGC Ottawa acknowledges that African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) children and youth continue to face barriers, and we work to dismantle them by providing access to FREE programs and services in the community. The Club provides programs like our Diversity Library and Equity Book Club to allow our ACB Members a place to discuss important topics, and a place for non-ACB Members to learn and build understanding.

The Club is committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). We acknowledge and appreciate our ACB Family, and we celebrate and honour their contributions to the organization, our city and society.

Over the course of the month, we have been celebrating in our Clubhouses by sharing stories, offering fun-filled activities with an educational focus, treating Members to culturally diverse foods during snack time, watching short videos and listening to a wide range of music.

Here’s a look at some of the fun we’ve had, and will continue to have, throughout Black History Month:

• An ART NOW session where Members created a beautiful mural.
• Colouring contest featuring African-themed colouring sheets and artwork.
• A virtual learning series that explores the impact and legacy of Black leaders, activists and trailblazers right here in Ottawa.
• Films that highlight the voices, experiences and creativity of Black filmmakers and characters.
• Trivia nights with a focus on Canadian Black history.
• Dance programs featuring the music of Black artists.
• Guest speakers, including James Peter (Ottawa RedBlacks linebacker), Gwen Madiba (award-winning human rights advocate, champion for gender equality, public speaker, TV host and designer) and Claudia Etwyse (economist and finance professional).
• A history lesson on Harriet Tubman, paired with a lantern craft.
• Quote of the day from influential BIPOC individuals.
• A STEM workshop courtesy of Carleton University.
• Black haircare workshop, featuring a local barber.
• Cooking sessions featuring some ACB favourites:
  • Jerk chicken
  • Corn bread
  • Jamaican patties
  • Mixed bean salad
  • Coconut pudding tarts
• Numerous arts and crafts projects:
  • Ndebele houses
  • Salt painted African masks
  • African rain sticks
  • Tribal masks
• Black History Month Celebrations fearing cultural fashion shows, dance parties and yummy Caribbean food.
  

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Help us continue to open the doors and ensure they remain open.

At home, we encourage everyone to look, listen and learn. There are numerous resources available to all that help educate you on Canada’s Black history and what it means today:

• Government of Canada
• Statistics Canada

‍Did you know?

*All stats are from a 2021 Statistics Canada study.

• Four in 10 Black people in Canada (41.0%) were born in the country.
• The 10 most frequently reported ethnic or cultural origins among the Black populations in Canada are African, Jamaican, Haitian, Canadian, Black, Nigerian, Somali, African Caribbean, Congolese and Yoruba.
• Women account for 51.3% of the Black populations in Canada.
• Children and youth (aged 0 to 25 years) make up 41.9% of the Black populations in Canada. Most of these (62.3%) were children aged 0 to 14 years.
  

It’s important to get your children involved – they are our future and the future of Black history. Follow the links below to watch some educational videos together.

• Proud of our History
• Exploring the past and future of February’s annual celebration
• HISTORY OF | History of Black History Month
• Sesame Street: Let's Celebrate Black History Song!
  

Throughout Ottawa, there are numerous events – including many that are free to attend – to help celebrate Black History Month. Here’s a short list of upcoming events that might be of interest to you:

• Black History Ottawa Events Calendar
• Ottawa Public Library celebrates Black History Month with engaging programs across the city
• Learn together: Black Canadians: History, Presence, and Anti-Racist Futures
• Soulful Expressions Gala
• Black History Month: Reconciliation and Healing
• An Evening with Bruny Surin, Hosted by Meeker Guerrier
• Black History Month Closing Celebration on Parliament Hill
  

You can also listen, read, watch and learn through TED Talks, storytelling, incredible works of art and more:

• Ten Famous Black Canadians
• Mellody Hobson: Colour blind or colour brave?
• Black History in Canada Education Guide and Worksheets
• Nicole Paris and Ed Cage: A beatboxing lesson from a father-daughter duo
• Celebrate the Masters: Top 20 Black Artists Who Revolutionized Art History
• Celebrating Black History Month: A Q&A with Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng
• Clint Smith: The danger of silence
• What It Means to Be Black in Canada Today
  

Or find something that appeals to you and your family. There is so much to learn, appreciate and celebrate this month and throughout the year.

For our ACB Members and families, we want you to feel involved and connected. Our community has a multitude of resources available, and here’s a short list:

• ACB Wellness Resource Centre
• Black History Ottawa
• Black Ottawa Connect
• Black Youth Helpline
• Jaku Konbit
• Ottawa Black Mental Health Coalition
  

“Black history is not just for Black people. Black history is Canadian history.” – Dr. Jean Augustine.

Dr. Augustine’s impactful words remind us that the stories of Black Canadians creating positive change in our society should be told to people of all backgrounds and recognized as our collective history as Canadians.

At BGC Ottawa we will continue to support one another, break barriers and embrace diverse perspectives to provide young people with incredible opportunities and help them achieve their dreams.

BGC Ottawa recognizes the importance of Black history today and every day. To learn more about our EDI work, visit www.bgcottawa.org/equity.