Black History Month 2025
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus ( Galatians 3:28 ).”
The following was provided by Canadian Heritage Jan 21, 2025, 10:34 ET.
OTTAWA, ON, Jan. 21, 2025 /CNW/ - Each year, Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of Black communities in Canada, listen to their stories, and learn more about their history and contributions to Canadian society.
The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities, today unveiled the theme for this year's Black History Month: "Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations." Minister Khera announced the theme today, on Lincoln Alexander Day, which commemorates the legacy Canada's first Black Member of Parliament and Cabinet Minister, Lincoln Alexander.
The month of February gives us all the chance to celebrate the diversity and achievements of Black people in Canada. However, it is also a time to reflect on Canada's painful history and the distinct challenges that Black people in Canada continue to face in their daily lives, such as systemic barriers, racism and discrimination.
Our government has been steadfast in our commitment to combatting systemic barriers and creating a more equitable and just future for Black Canadians. To that end, Canada officially recognized the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent in 2018. We also welcomed the adoption by the United Nations of the second International Decade for People of African Descent. Since 2018, our government has committed over $1 billion to create a number of programs that are investing directly into Black communities right across the country. To read more about Canadian Heritage funding opportunities to support Black communities, visit the Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Program web page.
As we prepare to celebrate Black History Month, I want to invite Canadians from coast to coast to coast to join us in highlighting and celebrating the remarkable contributions that Black people in Canada make to our country every single day.
Quotes
"The history of Black communities in Canada is an integral part of Canadian history. This year's theme is about reflecting and celebrating the contributions of Black Canadians in shaping our country while paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive future. In Canada, diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a choice; for far too long Black communities in Canada have been faced with anti-Black and systemic racism. Our government has remained committed to combatting these systemic barriers, and that is why we recognized the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent and welcomed the recently announced second decade. Through efforts like the Canada Anti-Racism Strategy and Canada's Action Plan on Combatting Hate, our government is tackling anti-Black racism and combatting hate in all its forms. Black History Month offers us all a valuable opportunity to learn more about the diversity of Black communities across the country, and to listen to and be open with one another on what we can do to build a better, more inclusive Canada."
—The Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities
The Government of Canada heiratage webpage dealing with black history month is located at Black-History-Month (click on link to go to webpage). Contains valuable information on the history of Black History Month and of notable Black Canadians who helped shape Canada.
The United Chuch of Canada Black History Month Video 2019 (click on link to go to video) provides an introduction to the little-known history of Black peoples in The United Church of Canada, from 100 years of Union United in Montreal to the present day across Canada. Discover the history of Black people in The United Church of Canada and ways churches can become more intercultural during Black History Month.
The British Columbia Black History Awareness Society (BCBHAS) celebrates the achievements of Black people in British Columbia by creating an awareness of the history of Blacks in B.C., stimulating interest in the contributions of persons of African ancestry to B.C. and Canada today, and celebrating historical and contemporary achievements in the arts, education, government, sports, science etc. The non-profit Society was formed in February 1994. Since March 2019 the Society is a charity registered with the Canada Revenue Agency. Here is a link to their web site: British Columbia Black History Awareness Society (BCBHAS)(opens in a new tab)
The city of Vancouver webpage for Black History Month can be reached by clicking on the provided link.
The video Celebrating 27 years of Canadian Black History month produced in 2024 is presented below: