Black History Month

Proud of our History

Each February, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to take part in events that commemorate the legacy of black Canadians. The month was officially recognized by the Parliament of Canada in December 1995 and this year, the theme for Black History Month is “Proud of our History”. The Government of Canada will celebrate the historic contributions of three black Canadians.

William Hall (1821 – 1904) was the first black person, the first Nova Scotian, and the first Canadian sailor to receive the Victoria Cross.

Harriet Tubman (1822 – 1913) was a runaway slave from the United States who led hundreds of slaves to freedom along the Underground Railroad and guided many further north into Canada.

Mifflin Wistar Gibbs (1823 – 1915) was an example of successful black immigrants in British Columbia, both as a prosperous merchant and a member of the Victoria City Council.

The Department of Citizenship and Immigration has developed a program of activities in partnership with public and private partners to commemorate the contributions that black Canadians have made to Canada and promote the black Canadian heritage.

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Launch Reception

February 2, 2010
Black History Month 2010
Ottawa, Parliament Hill, West Block, Room 200

The 2010 theme is Proud of Our History. The exceptional contribution of three black Canadians will be highlighted: William Hall, Harriet Tubman and Mifflin Wistar Gibbs.

By invitation only.

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Photo Exhibit – On the Road North: The Journey to Freedom

February 3, 2010
Photo Exhibit Launch
Gatineau, Centre culturel Jacques-Augers, 39 Leduc Street

A photographic and modular display of people, places and events related to Canadians of African descent that are of national historical significance.

The exhibit was developed by the Parks Canada Agency in collaboration with the Multiculturalism Program. The photo exhibit is featured in the Virtual Museum of Canada, and educational materials have been developed for teachers’ use.

CIC is working closely with the City of Gatineau to launch and showcase the exhibit.

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Photo Exhibit – On the Road North: The Journey to Freedom

CIC is working closely with the Ontario Black History Society to showcase the exhibit in Toronto.

From February 22, 2010 to February 28, 2010
Launch Reception
Toronto, Union Station
65 Front Street West (Main Floor, West End)

From March 2, 2010 to March 28, 2010
Toronto, York Woods District Library
1785 Finch Avenue, West (Main Floor)

From April 1, 2010 to April 3, 2010
Toronto, Metro Toronto Convention Centre
255 Front Street, West (Lower Level)

From April 4, 2010 to April 30, 2010
Toronto, University of Toronto, Robarts Library
130 St. George Street (Main Floor)

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Concert and Poetry Reading

February 7, 2010
Nanaimo, Brechin United Church

Hosted by the Nanaimo African Heritage Society: Concert with Eric Dozier’s One Human Family Gospel Choir and Poetry Reading by Mairuth Sarsfield.

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GETfest – The Legacy of Mandela

February 11, 2010
Edmonton, Shaw Conference Centre

GETfest – The Legacy of Mandela is hosted by Movements.

Over 2,500 students will gather at this conference to learn about the legacy of Nelson Mandela and to encourage students to commemorate his 27 years in prison by participating in 27 days of volunteer community service. This year marks the 20th anniversary of Mandela’s release from prison.

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Black History Month Special Event

February 17, 2010
Kelowna, Summerhill Pyramid Winery

Hosted by the Kelowna Immigrant Society: Opening ceremony taking place at the Summerhill Pyramid Winery (located at 1‑4870 Chute Lake Road).

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Taste of Africa and the Caribbean

February 20, 2010
Edmonton, Marcus Garvey Centre for Unity

Taste of Africa and the Caribbean is hosted by the National Black Coalition of Canada.

A celebration of African culture featuring traditional food and cultural performances.

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AfroQuiz 2010

February 20, 2010
Edmonton, Stanley A. Milner Library

AfroQuiz 2010 is hosted by the Council of Canadians of African and Caribbean Heritage.

Children and youth, regardless of their heritage, study materials on black history. They will showcase their knowledge of heroes, scientists, people in current affairs, and artists from Africa and the African diaspora, including Canada, the Caribbean and the Americas.

The event will bring together elementary and secondary school students in Edmonton to learn about black history through the quiz. Other community participants will learn about black history from youth during the quiz.

The event is open to the public, and admission is free, making it easily accessible to everyone in the community.

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African Black History Month Speakers Series 2010 – Crossways in Common

February 21, 2010
Winnipeg, University of Winnipeg

African / Black History Month Speakers Series 2010 – Crossways in Common is presented by the Workers of Colour Support Network.

This series of four public education sessions will involve two keynote speakers, George Sefa Dei and Afua Cooper, and discussions on issues of black African history, both pre‑ and post‑European contact with Africa. The sessions will also include musical entertainment and be accompanied by refreshments. George Sefa Dei is an expert on African history prior to the most recent European contact which resulted in the enslavement of black Africans.

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Cultural Awareness Workshop

February 23, 2010
Winnipeg, Viscount Gort Hotel

This workshop is being hosted by the Manitoba chapter of the Congress of Black Women of Canada. Registration for the all-day workshop begins at 8:30 a.m. The workshop begins at 9:00 a.m. and runs until 4:30 p.m.

The workshop will give participants an appreciation of black history and culture, information about the contribution of black people to the wider community and issues affecting black people, and increased understanding of diversity within diversity.

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Wrap-Up Ceremony

February 24, 2010
Kelowna, Alternator Gallery, Rotary Centre for the Arts

Hosted by the Immigrant Society: Wrap-up ceremony with special guest Kevan Cameron, also known as “Scruffmouth”.

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Through My Father’s Eyes

February 26, 2010
Winnipeg, Ellice Street Theatre
In this play that incorporates music, song and dance, a young boy relates his father’s story of travelling from the Caribbean to Canada. Tickets are $10.00 in advance or $12.00 at the door. Doors open at 7:00 p.m., and the show begins at 7:30 p.m.

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Poetry Reading

February 27, 2010
Nanaimo, Beban Park

Hosted by the Nanaimo African Heritage Society: Poetry Reading by Mairuth Sarsfield and Judy Simms.

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Ethno-Cultural Dishes and Presentations

February 27, 2010
Edmonton, Africa Centre (former Wellington Junior High School)

The Council for the Advancement of African Canadians in Alberta will host activities that will include sampling of various ethno-cultural dishes, presentations from ethno-cultural African academic and social leaders, various African artistic presentations, and community volunteer engagement.

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Struggles and Accomplishments of Black Canadians

February 27, 2010
Saskatchewan, Eureka Fellowship Society Hall

The Saskatchewan Caribbean-Canadian Association is hosting a celebration of black history in Canada. The event will feature African drumming and dancing, and a guest speaker who will discuss the struggles and accomplishments of black Canadians in history.

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“Legacies 2010”

February 27, 2010
Calgary, Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre

“Legacies 2010” will feature a performance by Centre Stage Theatre Company; Centre Stage has commissioned a play by Bertrand Bickersteth, which explores the black Canadian experience through the figures of John Ware and his family. In addition to the theatrical performance, the event will also feature spoken word poetry, a gospel choir, Caribbean dance, musical performances, street dance styles, photography and more. All performances and exhibits are centred on the theme of “The Black Canadian Experience.”

In partnership with Collectively Eclectic.

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Hidden History of Black Peoples in Canada

March 5 and March 8, 2010
Winnipeg
University of Winnipeg (March 5)
Pilgrim Baptist Church (March 8)

Afua Cooper is one of Canada’s premier experts and chroniclers of the hidden history of Black peoples in Canada.

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Black History Awards Excellence Banquet

March 13, 2010
Edmonton, Chateau Louis Hotel and Conference Centre

Black History Month Awards of Excellence Banquet is hosted by the National Black Coalition of Canada-Edmonton Chapter. The event will promote Black History Month by providing information on black history (through stories, literary arts).

Awards will be presented to honour the achievements of black community members, including youth, who have made outstanding contributions through community service, delivery of specific programming to reach all Canadians, and/or visual, literary and performing arts.

In particular, the Mary Burlie Award will be presented to an individual, regardless of their ethnic origin, who is delivering programs and/or services designed to build bridges and promote harmony and community relations through programming for all Canadians.

Honorary guests have been invited.

The event is open to the public. There is a charge for admission to cover event costs.