In 1995, the House of Commons officially designated February as Black History Month, a heartfelt acknowledgment championed by the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament. Moving forward to 2008, Senator Donald Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Senate, advocated for the Motion to Recognize Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month, receiving unanimous approval.

Black History Month stands as a tribute to the rich contributions woven by Black communities into the social, cultural, political, and economic fabric of Canada.

The theme for Black History Month 2024, aptly named “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build,” is an opportunity to explore and celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of Black individuals across history.

For further insights into Black History Month, please click here. To stay connected with events in the Black community in Newfoundland and Labrador, we encourage you to peruse Memorial University’s Black Student Association’s Facebook page.

Posted: January 31, 2024