During Black History Month, we celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians.
The role of Black Canadians has not always been viewed as a key feature in Canada’s historic landscape. There is little mention of the Black Loyalists who came here after the American Revolution and settled in the Maritimes, or of the many sacrifices made in wartime by Black soldiers as far back as the War of 1812.
Few Canadians are aware of the fact that Black people were once enslaved in the territory that is now Canada, or of how those who fought enslavement helped to lay the foundation of Canada’s diverse and inclusive society.
Black History Month is a time to learn more about these Canadian stories and the many other important contributions of Black Canadians to the settlement, growth and development of Canada, and about the diversity of Black communities in Canada and their importance to the history of this country.
During February, we will be highlighting some resources and activities on a weekly basis through the PSW Portal. In the meantime, please review the videos and suggested resources below to learn more about Black History Month.
This video from Canadian Heritage promotes the significant contributions that Black Canadians have made to their communities and to Canada. Various key Black Canadians and events are featured in this Black History Month Public Service Announcement.
Test Your Knowledge with this Trivia Quiz
How much do you know about Black History in Canada? Test your knowledge with this quiz from The Canadian Encyclopedia.
Black History in Canada – A Collection
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. People connected by their common African history and ancestry have created Black history here. The African-Canadian population is made up of individuals from a range of places across the globe including the United States, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and Canada.
This collection includes articles such as Black Female Freedom Fighters, Black History in Canada: 1960 to Present, and Celebrating Black History Month in Canada.