In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada following a motion introduced by Dr. Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament. The House of Commons carried the motion unanimously.
During Black History Month, we celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians and their communities who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada a culturally diverse and prosperous country. It is a time to reflect on the stories, experiences, and accomplishments of Canada’s Black community for which there are many and recognize that Black History is Canadian History.
Although Black Canadians have helped to shape our country’s heritage and identity since the early 1600s, their history has been largely overlooked or ignored in our history textbooks. One area of many that has been particularly overlooked is the contributions made by Black Canadians in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Medicine.