“Have we read our own authors such as Dionne Brand, Afua Cooper and George Elliott Clarke? Do we know that the story of African-Canadians spans four hundred years, and includes slavery, abolition, pioneering, urban growth, segregation, the civil rights movement and a long engagement in civic life?” — Lawrence Hill
For emphasis, Black history refers to the stories, experiences, and accomplishments of people of African origin. Black History Month is an annual observance which some sources believed originated in the United States, where it is also known as African-American History Month. It has received official recognition from governments in the United States and Canada, and more recently has been observed in Ireland, and the United Kingdom. It began as a way of remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. It is celebrated in February in the United States and Canada, while in Ireland, and the United Kingdom it is observed in October.
In commemoration of this year’s Black History Month, Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, announced that the Ontario government is investing to support the development of curriculum-aligned resources to assist educators in teaching about Black experiences and contributions to Canada. This move by the government is not only timely and commendable, but reflects our stand that there is a need to strengthen knowledge about the contributions of Black people to Canada. This is because Blacks have contributed immensely to the strong and developed entity that Canada has become.
It was stated that in partnership with the government, the African Canadian National Coalition against Hate, Oppression and Racism (ANCHOR) will provide classroom-ready resources and training aligned to the Social Studies, Grades 1 to 6, and History and Geography, Grades 7 and 8, curriculum.
According to the government, the $300,000 investment will include promoting Black history, such as raising awareness about Black Canadian leaders and diversifying the individual students learn about in business, politics, sciences, the arts and democracy. If executed, it is believed that this initiative will help build greater understanding of the presence and positive role Black individuals have played as part of Canada’s story, heritage and identity.
Nevertheless, we are perturbed by the grievances of concerned stakeholders that the “Black History Month has been watered down to mere frivolities of empowering Black Canadians when in reality, Black Canadians are only selected to fill up quotas in corporate organizations or presumed equity or diversity programs in government establishments”.
It’s against this backdrop that we state, without mincing words that this occasion of Black History Month should be properly utilized to demand fairness, equal opportunity, genuine diversity that promotes the right Black people who care about their community. We join the advocacy that equal opportunity or employment equity laws should not be replaced with the mere slogan of ensuring diversity and equity in the name of Black History Month, rather, it should be based on the merits that Blacks have earned as co-equals, professionally and practically with non-Blacks.
As a people-oriented paper, we strongly believe that the need to strengthen knowledge about the contributions of Black people to the country and world is critical and should be done with all sense of responsibility. Several relevant examples from history include: creating greater awareness that soldiers of African descent made sacrifices in wartime as far back as the War of 1812 while serving in defence of Upper Canada; honouring the legacy of Lincoln Alexander, Canada’s first Black MP and Cabinet Minister; and learning about individuals like Mathieu Da Costa, whose presence in Canada dates back to the early 1600s and who helped to shape Canada’s heritage and identity since his arrival as a navigator and interpreter.
It’s elating to note that while Black History Month is a time to learn more about these Canadian stories, the Ontario government has expressed commitment to expand year-long learning to better promote and inspire students around the nation-building contributions that Black Canadians and their communities have made to Canada’s history and future prosperity. We applaud the government and all stakeholders that met and reached this landmark resolution – it’s a clear reflection of people who respect the labour of heroes past irrespective of their colour or race.
In the announcement, Minister Lecce had said “Strengthening Black history in the classroom is part of our government’s plan to ensure the individuals we learn about and the lessons we teach students better reflect Canada’s diversity. As we mark Black History Month, we are expanding access to resources through Black-led partners that will help the next generation learn and celebrate the contributions and histories of Black Canadians — from Lincoln Alexander to Viola Desmond.”
Also, the revelation that with the new funding, teachers will have access to resources that support them in providing curriculum-aligned instruction in a way that celebrates the contributions of Black Canadians and recognizes the discrimination and challenges many have faced is not only a strengthener to Blacks but will spur others to make conscious efforts to contribute to nation-building.
“Black Canadians have made incredible contributions to the economic and cultural growth of our province and country,” said Shernett Martin, Executive Director of ANCHOR. “ANCHOR is proud to partner with the Ontario government to ensure Black perspectives are part of the learning experience for students while fostering more welcoming and respectful school environments.” This affirmative declaration by the ANCHOR’s boss is a further validation of our view.
The Editorial board of The Nigerian Canadian Newspaper salutes all the Blacks that have contributed their quota to nation-building. Particularly, we acknowledge the labour of our heroes past who sacrificed their lives during wartimes. However, as we celebrate the Black History Month, we call on all and sundry to reflect on the labour of our heroes past. Black History Month should be the prerogative of Black People across the globe – It’s important that our voices are heard and people know our lived experiences, stories of discrimination and oppression. We urge the populace to make nation-building a priority in our daily living.
HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH.
