Black History Month

February is Black History Month in Canada. Black History Month was created to “honour the legacy of black Canadians, past and present.”

Black History Month began in 1926 as “Negro History Week” in the United States. The week became more popular over time and was formally acknowledged by the U.S. federal government with the creation of Black History Month in 1976.

Canada began officially observing Black History Month in 1995. Notably, the motion to implement Black History Month in Canada was introduced by MP Jean Augustine, the first black woman elected to the House of Commons.

In 2008, the Senate of Canada unanimously approved a motion to officially recognize Black History Month. The motion was introduced by Senator Donald Oliver, Canada’s first black man appointed to the Senate. Canada’s first black woman senator was Anne Cools.

Visit here for more information on Black History Month in Canada.

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