By Emily Rafuse
Accessibility and Human Rights Intern, 5th year English Major, Acadia University Student

A time for acknowledging and recognizing Black history in Canada and the achievements of Black Canadians throughout our history.

While we can celebrate Black excellence all year long, it’s important to recognize this month and take some time to learn more about Black history, Black excellence, and what it’s like to be Black in Canada today.

The first Black History Month in Nova Scotia was observed in 1988 and later renamed African Heritage Month in 1996 (GoC 2024) and we take this time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black Canadians who have shaped Canadian society, from arts, education and culture to science, engineering, medicine and technology.

We recognize this month because Black history is Canadian history and world history and we need to take this time to recognize, honour and celebrate Black Canadians and their lives. Black history is not tragedy, nor is it summed up by slavery and oppression. African Heritage Month is not about only about recognizing a history of slavery in Canada that is all too easily swept under the rug, but it is also about recognizing Black heritage, Black innovation, and Black excellence now.

How can you celebrate and learn this month?

• Read books by Black authors
  • Rehearsals for Living – Leanne Betasamosake Simpson and Robyn Maynard
  • Undrowned – adrienne maree brown
  • You Can’t Touch My Hair – Phoebe Robinson
  • Black Trans Feminism – Marquis Bey
  • Me & White Supremacy – Layla F. Saad
• Listen to Black-led podcasts/interviews
  • Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man – Emmanuel Acho
  • So You Wanna Talk About Race – Iljeoma Oluo
  • Secret Life of Canada – Leah Simone Bowen and Falen Johnson
  • I am Black History – In the Black:Canada
  • The Nod - Gimlet
• Museum Exhibitions and Events
  • Check out the Afrofuturism: A History of Black Futures exhibit at the National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • Check out the Reckoning virtual exhibit at the National Museum of African American History and Culture
  • Celebrate African American Heritage Month with Al Whittle Theatre with Shoulder to Shoulder
  • Black History Month Celebration Screening of Power to Heal