The 2024 theme for Black History Month is: “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build”. This theme celebrates the rich past and present contributions and accomplishments of Black people in Canada, while aspiring to embrace new opportunities for the future.
Whether you refer to February as Black History Month or African Heritage Month as it is called in Nova Scotia, it is a time when many leaders seek meaningful ways to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion principles in the workplace. We invite you to not only reflect on Black History and how it has shaped our country’s culture and identity, but to also consider how you and your organization can be a part of ensuring a bright future for Black Canadians – this month and every month.
Most Canadian adults lacked substantial education on Black History and its impact in their formative years. However, it is not too late to “do the work”. By gaining a richer understanding of the past, we are better able to inform the journey toward a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive future.
How to embark on a continuous learning journey:
- Learn more. Do research, visit websites or take a course to learn more about Black History.
- Volunteer for a cause or project that helps build your awareness.
- Promote and positively contribute to a culture of inclusion and belonging. Create barrier-free and safe spaces. Consider mentoring/coaching black youth or young colleagues.
- Practice allyship. Listen, learn, and offer support.
- Support local Black businesses. Explore regional Black business directories like the Black Business Initiative in Nova Scotia and Black Business Direct for opportunities to support and engage.
- Don’t rely on your Black friends/colleagues to teach you more about Black History.
To support you in your journey, we’ve curated several articles and resources.
“Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build” – This celebrates the rich past and present contributions and accomplishments of Black people in Canada, while aspiring to embrace new opportunities for the future. Find helpful resources to facilitate this journey.
CBC’s “Being Black in Canada” – A collection of stories and experiences of Black Canadians, highlighting narratives that matter to Black communities including historical content, relevant news pieces, and individual successes.
- The Story of Africville - Published by the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, this overview of the history of Africville and the impact of its destruction on Black settlers in Nova Scotia is an important education for all Canadians. Additional information can be found at the Africville Museum.
Black Canadian Heroes Who Have Paved the Way for Future Generations – Gain insight into the stories of black Canadians who have had a significant hand in shaping the country’s past, present, and future.
The Story of Slavery in Canadian History – The Canadian Museum for Human Rights sheds light on the legacy of enslavement in Canada.
This is What White Privilege Looks Like at Your Workplace – A thoughtful perspective on how well-intentioned diversity efforts will fail to retain people of colour unless cultural biases towards white supremacy are eliminated. This article challenges us to reconsider the definition of “professionalism” and the word's implications, and the personal work required of non-black colleagues to advance EDI goals without burdening black colleagues.
Black Cultural Society of Nova Scotia (Black Cultural Center) - Committed to the protection and preservation of Black Culture in Nova Scotia, the society offers a wide range of resources and information on local history.
Ontario Black History Society – A registered Canadian charity dedicated to the study, preservation and promotion of Black History and heritage. Visit their website to learn more about Black History and discover educational resources and events.
Equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace is more than simply creating diverse teams. It requires fostering a company culture that makes all employees feel safe, supported, and empowered. Leaders can start by reconsidering their own perspectives, the lived experience that has informed their point of view and acknowledging their own bias.
