2022 National Theme: Black Health and Wellness
This theme acknowledges the legacy of not only Black scholars and medical practitioners in Western medicine, but also other ways in which the Black community have contributed to healthcare (e.g., birth workers, doulas, midwives, naturopaths, herbalists, etc.) throughout the African Diaspora. The 2022 theme considers activities, rituals and initiatives that Black communities have practiced in an effort to maintain health and wellbeing. (ASALH, 2020).
Black history in Canada
Black people and their communities have been a part of shaping Canada’s heritage and identity since the arrival of Mathieu Da Costa, a navigator and interpreter, whose presence in Canada dates back to the early 1600s.
Black history in Canada has not always been celebrated or highlighted. There is little mention that some of the Loyalists who came here after the American Revolution and settled in the Maritimes were people of African descent, or of the many sacrifices made in wartime by soldiers of African descent as far back as the War of 1812.
Canadians are not always aware of the fact that Black people were once enslaved in the territory that is now Canada or how those who fought enslavement helped to lay the foundation of the diverse and inclusive society in Canada.
Black History Month is about honouring the enormous contributions that Black people have made, and continue to make, in all sectors of society. It is about celebrating resilience, innovation, and determination to work towards a more inclusive and diverse Canada—a Canada in which everyone has every opportunity to flourish.
Resources:
“To build a better future for the Black community in Ontario and Canada, it is critical to first acknowledge and understand all that has happened until this point. If not for the countless Black trailblazers who helped shape our country, things like Black History Month and Ontario Black History Society may never have existed. Therefore, it is imperative that we not only remember these men and women, but celebrate them as well.” Ontario Black History Society
Afro Quiz from the Council of Canadians African & Caribbean Heritage
Teaching African Canadian History
Periodic Table of Canadian Black History
The Secret Life of Canada podcasts:
What’s the deal with blackface?
5 Amazing Black trailblazers you should know year round.
