Toronto observes February as Black History Month

“It is an honour to proclaim Black History Month through February in Toronto…Throughout the year and especially this month…Torontonians to learn about the history and ongoing contributions of Black changemaker…to acknowledge and stand up against systemic anti-Black racism and oppression, which has absolutely no place in our communities,” Olivia was reported saying.

Black History Month is a chance to celebrate and commemorate the history, culture, contributions, and achievements that Black Canadians have made to our city and country.

2024 marks 45 years of proclamation of Black History Month since Toronto became the first municipality in Canada, through the efforts of the Ontario Black History Society including many other individuals and organizations.

Recognizing the contributions of Black Canadians, Black History Month serves to educate, medicine, art, culture, public service, economic development, politics, human rights, and more in Toronto.

Besides the month-long observance, the City works throughout the year on the Toronto Action Plan to Confront Anti-Black Racism, which was endorsed by the City Council in 2017 responding to the priorities identified by Toronto’s diverse Black communities.

Although the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent, which was officially adopted  In 2019 by Toronto city ends this year, the City has continued to amplify its work through the action plan to align with the three themes of the Decade: Recognition, Development and Justice.

Information on the action plan is available on the City’s Confronting Anti-Black Racism webpage.

A comprehensive list of in-person and online events and activities led by Toronto History Museums, Cultural Centres, Toronto Public Library, and community groups – including what to expect and schedules – can be found on the City’s Black History Month webpage.

“Black History Month serves as a crucial juncture for the Black Canadians summed up in one word, ‘Sankofa’…to reflect on our history, celebrate our remarkable achievements and the opportunities yet untapped,” Councillor Chris Moise (Toronto Centre), Chair of the Confronting Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee has said.

The City of Toronto this year invited residents and visitors to participate in a wide range of Black History Month events including storytelling and poetry readings, Black vendors markets, exhibitions, history and art tours and musical performances.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)