February is Black History Month

In Winnipeg, the Annual Black History Month Celebration was launched by the local Chapter of the National Black Coalition of Canada in 1982. The honor and responsibility of organizing these events have passed through different organizations throughout the years. In 2008, the Jamaican Association of Manitoba sponsored the events. Educators, students, parents, and the general public were invited to attend and participate in the events.

Black history is Canadian history. It is an essential piece of the Canadian 'story'. It gives us insights and understanding of how Canadian and North American societies were formed and how they 'work' today. As Canadians work and struggle to build a better society, knowing and appreciating Black history is vitally important. Black history is played out every day in the lives of our friends and neighbours.

Black history is important because it is a history of resistance, resiliency, and hope even in the face of impossible odds. Black history is about social justice, freedom, and the love of humanity. Black history inspires us even when we are frustrated by what seem to be the slow and painful steps that progress takes.

The Black community in Manitoba is diverse and composed of families and individuals who immigrated directly to Canada or who migrated from the US to Canada between 1600-1900 and more recent immigrants with Caribbean, American, African, and Latin American origins.

February is Black History Month - a month to take the opportunity celebrate the progress, richness and diversity of the achievements and contributions of Blacks in Canada and around the world. It provides a focal point for the celebration of Black experiences, perspectives and history throughout the curriculum.