Black History Month

Black History Month 2024

What is Black History Month?

During Black History Month, we honour the enormous contributions that Black people have made, and continue to make, in all areas of society. Black History Month is about celebrating the resilience of Black communities, recognizing the achievements of Black Canadians and honouring the determination to work towards a more inclusive and diverse Canada where everyone has every opportunity to flourish.

Recognizing Black History Month

The Ontario Black History Society (O.B.H.S.) was established in 1978. Its founders, including Dr. Daniel G. Hill and Wilson O. Brooks, presented a petition to the City of Toronto to have February formally proclaimed as Black History Month. In 1979, the first-ever Canadian proclamation was issued by Toronto.

In 1993, the O.B.H.S. successfully petitioned the Ontario government to recognize Black History Month each year in February. Following that success, Rosemary Sadlier, president of the O.B.H.S., shared her vision for Black History Month to be recognized across the nation with the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament.

In December 1995, Dr. Augustine introduced a motion in the House of Commons to officially recognize February as Black History Month in Canada. The House of Commons carried the motion unanimously, cementing Black History Month as time of national celebration and reflection in Canada. 

Black History in Canada

Black Canadians and their communities have been a part of shaping our nation’s heritage and identity since the arrival of Mathieu Da Costa, a navigator and interpreter believed to be the first free African man to step foot on Canadian soil, as early as the 1600s.

The stories and contributions of Black people have largely been excluded from the key narrative of Canada’s history. Few Canadians are aware that people of African descent were among the Loyalists who came here after the American Revolution. Many don’t know that these Black Loyalists, along with other settlers and former slaves, persevered against racism and segregation to build strong and vibrant communities. Some of these communities, like Africville in the Maritimes, were destroyed by local governments.   

Few people are aware of the fact that Black people were once enslaved in the territory that would eventually become Canada, nor do they know the stories of Black resistance that helped to lay the foundation for a more diverse and inclusive country.

Black History Month is an opportunity for people educate themselves on this largely untold history, and to learn more about the past and ongoing contributions of Black people to the development of Canadian society.

Black History Month in Oshawa

The City of Oshawa has proclaimed February 2024 as ‘Black History Month’. Every February, residents are invited to participate in Black History Month initiatives that honour the legacy of Black Canadians today and throughout our history.

While Black History Month provides a special opportunity to centre Black experiences, the work of building a more equitable and inclusive community requires sustained effort that takes place all year round. 

The City of Oshawa has zero-tolerance for racism and condemns all racist acts of intimidation and violence. In July 2020, Council passed a motion that reconfirmed the City’s support on zero tolerance for racism in our community. We are committed to dismantling racism and, in particular, anti-Black racism in our community.

Learn More about Oshawa's Commitment to Anti-Racism

Ways to Learn and Celebrate

Attend a Black History Month Event

February 1: Tales from Afar: African and Caribbean Folklore with Kesha Christie

• 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
• Online event
• Presented by: Oshawa Public Libraries

February 1: Together We Rise: Black History, Intersectionality and Joy

• 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
• Chestnut Hill Development Recreation Complex (1867 Valley Farm Road, Pickering)
• Presented by: The Regional Municipality of Durham, in partnership with Durham Regional Police Service, Canadian Jamaican Club of Oshawa, City of Oshawa, City of Pickering, Congress of Black Women Whitby/Oshawa, DurhamONE, Lakeridge Health, Municipality of Clarington, Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences, Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce, Township of Brock and Town of Whitby.
• Event Description: Together We Rise Durham: Black History, Intersectionality and Joy will feature live performances and a panel discussion on Black history and how intersectionality and Black joy have shaped their professional and personal lives. 

February 2: Black History Month: Purpose and Possibilities

• 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Ajax Convention Centre (550 Beck Crescent, Ajax)
• Presented by: Chambers of Commerce across Durham Region

February 3: Black History Month by Cultural Expressions

• 4 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

• J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate (1355 Harwood Avenue, Ajax)

• Presented by: Cultural Expressions Inc. in partnership with the Town of Ajax, City of Pickering, Durham District School Board, Durham Catholic District School Board, Pickering Anti-Black Racism Taskforce, Durham Children’s Aid Foundation, Ajax Public Library, Congress of Black Women of Canada, Ontario Region (Ajax/Pickering, Oshawa/Whitby) and Durham Black Coalition with funding provided by the Ontario Arts Council and Government of Ontario.
• Tune in to durhamblackhistorymonth.com beginning at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 4  for additional B.H.M. programming including their "Did you know?" series.

Learn More About Canada's Black History

Support Black-Owned Businesses in Oshawa

In celebration of Black History Month, the City is showcasing Black entrepreneurs and their businesses that have contributed to making our community unique. Their investment and commitment have changed the landscape of Oshawa's economy. During these unprecedented times, we encourage you to shop local and support our businesses.

Learn More Black-Owned Businesses in Oshawa

There are a number of reason why it is important to support Black-owned businesses:

• Supporting Black-owned businesses helps Oshawa’s community grow and thrive. Local businesses are important for creating jobs and opportunities and empowering our community members.
• In general, black entrepreneurs and professionals have less access to capital, generational wealth and other opportunities, creating additional barriers to owning a small business. Supporting Black-owned businesses can help overcome some of these barriers to help Black business owners succeed.
• Some Black-owned businesses are inspired by the culture and heritage of their owners. Supporting Black-owned businesses is a way of celebrating different Black cultures and the communities they represent.