Canadians have put together venues and events to recognize Black Canadians. February is Black History Month. If you want to learn more about this group’s struggles and accomplishments, the government’s heritage branch put together a list of community functions and museums celebrating black history.
British Columbia
The BC Black History Awareness Society is hosting several speakers throughout the month. One of them is a professor of African culture. Professor Wright will be discussing the diversity present in black communities and calling to attention how many of their names and faces have been removed from history. He is doing his part to bring back forgotten heroes and events.
Another event in February that the society is sponsoring covers a mass migration that happened in the 1800s. During that time, almost 1,000 Africans moved to British Columbia. This event covers why they came and what they brought with them. It is an opportunity to learn about what life was like for black individuals then.
All of these programs are held online. There are five separate events, and one of them is a musical special. The artist will play hip-hop, dance, and indigenous music. To view this concert, you will have to register in advance. The information is posted on the society’s website.
Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum is a philanthropic group. They came together in the early 2000s. The goal of this organization is to promote cultural awareness and encourage preservation. They also blend in current human rights issues and bring to light social injustices. They have put together a virtual museum that profiles important figures. Canadians are encouraged to contact the group if they know of an African that should be considered for their panel.
Toronto
To learn about slavery from the ground level, follow the Ontario Black History Society walking tour. It is a self-guided lesson about slavery and black life. The path takes you through a neighborhood in Toronto. The government and the military held the first slaves, and the tour explains what rules they lived by during that era.
Parks Canada
Parks Canada offers a virtual history lesson. The story starts in 1833, which is when Canada abolished slavery. Through the journey, viewers will learn about hardships and triumphs. The documentary brings in American slaves, who Canada encouraged to cross the border by emphasizing that they could enjoy more freedom in this northern country. The parks division is still adding to and committed to this collection.
