Black History Month time to analyze, celebrate
Canadians watched, along with the rest of the world, as Donald Trump snatched the U.S. presidency from Hillary Clinton. Coming on the heels of the historic election of Barack Obama, the first African-American president, this was a significant turnaround from the American electorate.
This February, as we celebrate Black History Month, it is necessary to place Canada’s own record of inclusiveness in perspective. When the Parliament of Canada proclaimed February as Black History Month in 1995, it was a pivotal moment for Canadians of African ancestry to celebrate the validation of their contribution to Canada’s diverse mosaic.
Black History Month has evolved, not only as a celebration, but a re-affirmation by all black persons of their Canadian-ness, equal to and entitled to all the rights, privileges, responsibilities and obligations of being a member of this nation. We are part of a great nation, distinctly different, but bound together by diverse languages, cultures, traditions and religions.
This year’s Black History Month is significant because of the commemoration of Canada’s 150th anniversary. Travelling through Canada’s history, we recognize the first African-Canadian man and woman to hold elected political office. Abraham Shadd was a shoemaker who became a prominent abolitionist in the mid-1880s. In 1851, he became the first black man to hold political office in Canada, when he was elected councillor of Raleigh Township in Ontario.
Rosemary Brown was the first black woman in Canadian history to be elected, in 1972, to British Columbia provincial legislature. She also was the first female candidate to run for the leadership of a federal political party, the NDP.
What else has happened since their trail-blazing achievements? How far has Canada gone in inclusiveness of people of colour in the political arena or other areas of societal functioning?
In choosing the theme for 2017: Our Canadian Story: The Road to 150 and Beyond, we honour our early black ancestors, acknowledge the resilience of our trail-blazing black leaders, and highlight the diversity of our allies throughout history.
And we tip our hat to those who find the time to mentor young people through homework clubs, assist newcomers with job search, act as mentors for vulnerable children, or organize sporting and social activities for youth.
But Black History Month should never be put on the shelf after each celebration, to be dusted off for use the following year. We are black persons throughout the year and our issues of trying to fit into society will not go away as Black History Month event winds up at the end of the month.
Even as we ask the question whether there will be a Canadian Obama in our lifetime, one sees Black History Month as an opportunity for reflection on the achievement of this extraordinary man and trying to fit it into our personal situation and those of our children. One cannot help but be inspired by his journey to the White House, which strengthens our resolve to break down barriers that stand in the way of us reaching our full potential. Our survival as a people and as Canadians depends as much on us as it does on the system that keeps this great country going.
Black History Month is not only about black people. It is a “birthday” to acknowledge the contribution of black people to Canada. But what is a birthday without your friends and neighbours to celebrate with you? That’s why Black History Month organizers invite all to join our celebrations. Yes, do come and rejoice with us.