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February is Black History Month, a time to recognize the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black Canadians past, present, and future. This year’s theme, "30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries”, invites us to celebrate leadership, creativity, innovation, and the enduring legacy of Black Canadians in shaping our country and communities.
As union members, we have a unique opportunity to honour Black History Month by learning, reflecting, and taking action together.
Events
Black History Month Celebration - New Westminster, BC Unifor Hall February 27
Unifor National Black History Month - Unifor National Office, Toronto and by Zoom
Recommended Books
- Policing Black Lives: State Violence in Canada from Slavery to the Present — Robyn Maynard
- The Skin We’re In — Desmond Cole
- Until We Are Free: Reflections on Black Lives Matter in Canada — Rodney Diverlus, Sandy Hudson, Syrus Marcus Ware
- Black Like Who? Writing Black Canada — Rinaldo Walcott
- Viola Desmond: Her Life and Times — Graham Reynolds
- Basodee: An Anthology Dedicated to Black Youth — Fiona Raye Clarke
Podcasts to Listen To
- Portraits of Black Canadians — Stories of notable Black Canadians
- The Secret Life of Canada — Highlights overlooked stories in Canadian history
- Black Tea Podcast — Discussions on Black community issues and culture
- The Drip Podcast — Conversations on literature, race, and identity
- Black on the Prairies - Exploring the past, present and future of Black Prairie life
National & Government Resources
- Government of Canada Black History Month Site — A central hub with noteworthy figures, history overviews, and digital toolkits (posters, virtual backgrounds, social media images) you can use to promote and learn throughout February.
- Digital Toolkit by Canada.ca — Downloadable graphics, posters, and resources that organizations can share online or in workplaces.
Museums & Heritage Organizations
These institutions have exhibitions, archives, and programs focused on the history and contributions of Black communities in Canada: ([Canada][1])
- Amherstburg Freedom Museum (Ontario)
- Josiah Henson Museum of African‑Canadian History (Dresden, Ontario)
- Buxton National Historic Site & Museum (Merlin, Ontario)
- Ontario Black History Society
- Black History Ottawa
- British Columbia Black History Awareness Society
- National Black Coalition of Canada Society - Edmonton Chapter
- Saskatchewan African Canadian Heritage Museum (Regina)
- Hogan's Alley Society (Vancouver)
Interactive & Media Resources
- Reel Canada’s Black History Month Learning Kit — A free, interactive short film plus lesson plan exploring community, identity, and anti‑racism.
- Government Videos on Black History — Short educational videos about notable figures like Harriet Tubman, the Underground Railroad, and Black soldiers in Canadian history. (Scroll to the bottom of the page when you click on the link).
Whether you read, listen, or attend events, taking time to reflect on Black history strengthens our understanding and solidarity as a union community. Let’s honour Black brilliance, celebrate achievements, and continue to support equity and inclusion in our workplaces and beyond.
Together, we will continue this important work to foster solidarity among all working people by confronting racism wherever it exists, uplifting Black voices, and building workplaces and a society, rooted in justice for all.