WHY WE MARK BLACK HISTORY MONTH
As the nation evolves, we can imagine a Canadian Obama, writes Godwin Ifedi.
Canadians groaned, along with the rest of the world, as Donald Trump confounded expert analysts and conventional wisdom to snatch the U.S. presidency from Hillary Clinton. Coming on the heels of the historical election of Barack Obama, the first African-American president, this was a significant, if bewildering 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 reaffirmation by all black persons of their Canadianness, equal to and entitled to all the rights, privileges, responsibilities and obligations of being a member of this unique nation. We acknowledge that 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’s provincial legislature. She was also 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? And come to think of it, what of other areas of societal functioning?
In choosing the theme for 2017, Our Canadian Story: The Road to 150 and Beyond, we honour the ingenuity of our early black ancestors, acknowledge the resilience of our trail-blazing black leaders both past and present, and highlight the diversity of our allies throughout history.
There are a number of individuals, who despite their personal circumstances, find the time to mentor young people through homework clubs, assist newcomers with job searches, act as mentors for vulnerable children, or organize sporting and social activities that keep young people out of trouble. It is these unsung heroes whom Black History Ottawa honours through our annual Community Builder awards.
But Black History Month should never be seen as one of those events that are placed on the shelf after each celebration, to be dusted off for use the following year. We see ourselves as black persons throughout the year, not just during February, and our issues of trying to fit into a society that is vastly different from our origins will not go away as the last Black History Month event winds up.
Even as we ask whether there will be a Canadian Obama in our lifetime, one sees Black History Month as an opportunity for reflection on the unique 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 any and all barriers that stand in the way of us reaching our full potential. Our survival as a people and as full-fledged Canadians depends as much on us as it does on the system that keeps this great country going.
Finally, it is important to emphasize that Black History Month is not only about black people. It is a “birthday” to acknowledge the contribution of black people to Ottawa and Canada. But what is a birthday without your friends and neighbours to celebrate with you?
Black History Ottawa invites all residents and visitors to our great city to join our celebrations. Yes, do come and rejoice with us.