City of Toronto proclaims February as Black History Month
Today, Mayor John Tory proclaimed February as Black History Month in Toronto. Black History Month is an opportunity for the City of Toronto to recognise the past and present contributions that African Canadians make to the life of Toronto in such areas as education, medicine, art, culture, public service, economic development, politics and human rights.
In 1979, Toronto was the first municipality in Canada to proclaim Black History Month through the efforts of many individuals and organizations such as the Ontario Black History Society. In 1995, Toronto Area MP Jean Augustine introduced a motion that was passed unanimously by the House of Commons to recognize Black History Month across Canada.
Toronto residents are encouraged to take part in the programs the City of Toronto has planned in addition to any virtual community-based programs and events that are taking place. To comply with current orders and regulations to help stop the spread of COVID-19, recognition and celebratory programs and events will be held virtually this year.
To commemorate Black History Month, the City’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism (CABR) unit will use their Twitter account, https://twitter.com/CABR_Toronto , to highlight the great work being done by some of the community-based agencies and groups that the City has partnered with to support Black residents in need throughout the pandemic.
The Awakenings program – a virtual series of art projects by Black, Indigenous and artists of colour within Toronto History Museums, will launch new online content including music, film and journeys of the effects of racism on physical and mental health on February 4 for Black History Month. The new content will include more Awakenings Reflections: Behind the Scenes Discussions. Awakenings first launched in December 2020 and explores untold stories, awakens new perspectives and invites the public to join the conversation.
The series is part of the City’s efforts to address anti-Black racism and operates under the principles of anti-oppression and anti-colonialism. The Awakenings program information and content are available at toronto.ca/museums.
“Every year, Black History Month is our opportunity to learn more about the history of Black Canadians and the role they have played in building up our city. This year’s celebrations are more important than ever as we acknowledge the protests that occurred in 2020 and the reality that COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on Black residents in our city,” said Toronto Mayor John Tory.
“While we spend time this month honouring the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians, we are reminded of the work that lies ahead in building a better, more inclusive and equitable city for all. I encourage residents to participate in this year’s events, to learn more and to better understand the history of our country and the role Black Canadians have played in it,” said Mayor Tory.
The Toronto Archives is proud to share its Black History in Toronto webpage, launched in November 2020: https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/accountability-operations-customer-service/access-city-information-or-records/city-of-toronto-archives/using-the-archives/research-by-topic/black-history-in-toronto/. Created with the support of the Ontario Black History Society and the City of Toronto’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism unit, the webpage highlights the history of Black communities, activists and leaders, service organizations and much more.
Social media users can follow the City of Toronto Archives’ Twitter account, https://twitter.com/TorontoArchives and Instagram account, https://www.instagram.com/toronto_archives/ , as they will post images and links to celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth, and help followers discover more about the records and resources available at the Archives and beyond.
Toronto Public Library celebrates Black History with year-round events and programs that honour Black heritage and consider the historical significance and contemporary contributions of Black activists and artists from around the world. Discover upcoming events, reading lists, videos, podcast episodes and more at tpl.ca/blackhistory .
A listing of all these Black History Month events and how to access them is also available at toronto.ca/blackhistory/.
The City strives to create and sustain equity in government to serve and reflect all people, and is implementing positive change in its workforce and communities to achieve access and realize equitable outcomes for all residents.
To help achieve these systemic changes, the City developed the Toronto Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism. The plan was unanimously adopted by Toronto City Council and is being implemented by the CABR unit. More information about the action plan, milestones achieved and the City’s commitment to anti-Black racism is available at http://www.toronto.ca/abr/.
About Black History Month
Black History Month began in the United States as “Negro History Week” in February 1926, through the work of African American scholar Dr. Carter G. Woodson. His aim was to raise awareness and understanding in the school curriculum of the African experience around the world. The United States began to formally celebrate Black History Month in the 1960s. Through community activities, organizers sought to present a more balanced and accurate picture of Black history.
In the 1950s, community organizations such as the Canadian Negro Women’s Association began to celebrate the importance of the history of the black community in Toronto. In 1979, Toronto became the first municipality in Canada to proclaim Black History Month through the efforts of many individuals and organizations such as the Ontario Black History Society. In 1995, Toronto Area MP Jean Augustine introduced a motion that was passed unanimously by the House of Commons to recognize Black History Month across Canada.
SOURCE City of Toronto
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