Black History Month Resources

Black history month is a time when we can all be more intentional about learning the history and contributions of Black people in Canada. It is also a great time to support Black artists, businesses and organizations. 

To get you started, we have listed a few resources below:

Black History Month Webinar

To celebrate Black History Month, we hosted Black is a Colour, an educational workshop focused on the Black experience in Canada.

Places to Visit

PLACES TO VISIT TO LEARN ABOUT BLACK HISTORYREDISCOVER BLACK HISTORY IN ONTARIO

Black Canadian National Survey – Interim Report 2021

The Black Canadian National Survey, a first-of-its-kind survey conducted between March 21st and May 5th, quantifies the realities of over 5,000 racialized and non-racialized respondents from various regions across Canada on social issues concerning education, employment, criminal justice, healthcare, and the COVID-19 pandemic.  The study uniquely hones in on Black Canadian voices by combining traditional survey techniques with newer social media tools, such as wiki surveys, to garner diverse results.

READ THE FULL REPORT HERE

The legacy and impact of organizations led by Black women in Canada

Through nearly 4 centuries in what is now Canada, Black women have shaped their own identities while taking decisive actions to advance the survival, preservation, and growth of countless families and communities across the country. As advocates and catalysts for change, Black women have created many important organizations that have advanced equity and human rights.

LEARN HERE

Ontario Black History Society

Founded in 1978, the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS), is at the forefront of the celebration of Black history and heritage in Canada, with a demonstrated record in the study, preservation and promotion of Black history in Ontario. The OBHS is also the only Ontario Provincial Heritage Organization of the Ministry of Culture devoted to Black history and heritage.
VISIT BLACK HISTORY SOCIETY

Black Life : Untold Stories

Black Life: Untold Stories is an eight-part documentary series that reframes the rich and complex histories of Black experiences in Canada.

WATCH HERE

Organizations to Highlight

VISIT DISABILITY JUSTICE NETWORK OF ONTARIOPARENTS OF BLACK CHILDREN

Articles

A Whitewashing of History: Canadian town tried to bury its founding by Black pioneers

In Canada, disability researcher says 'racism is very polite'

Sherron Grant got used to being the only Black mother in support groups for parents of autistic kids- she's making sure other Black parents don't feel as lonely as she did

Parents of Black children take matters into their own hands, launching Ontario school racism reporting tool

Canadian Education is Steeped in Anti-Black Racism

Canada's slavery secret: the whitewashing of 200 years of enslavement

Books about Canada by Black Authors

Unsettling the Great White North: Black Canadian History - Michele A. Johnson & Funké Aladeiebi

The Life of Josiah Henson, Formerly a Slave, Now an Inhabitant of Canada - Josiah Henson

Policing Black Lives: State Violence in Canada from Slavery to the Present - Robyn Maynard

Black Life: Post-BLM and the Struggle for Freedom - Rinaldo Walcott and Idil Abdillhi

The Hanging of Angelique: Canada, Slavery and the Burning of Montreal - Afua Cooper

The Skin We're In: A year of Black Resistance and Power - Desmond Cole

Black owned bookstores to support

Knowledge Bookstore

Notability

Sankofa Bookstore

A Different Booklist