In addition to the United Nations recognition starting in 2015 to 2024, the International Decade for People of African Descent, we will be celebrating across the country the 34th Black History month. The theme is February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day. Building on the theme I am re-framing Black History Month, as a time for recognition, reflection and the reclaiming of Black People’s excellence, economic, cultural, and social contributions as the true history that has been erased from or whitewashed within our history.
Black history in Canada began between 1600-1610 yet Black history comprises only 5% of some history texts.
In 2012, CUPW proudly participated in uncovering the history of Toronto’s First Black Postman, Albert Jackson, so the union could honour the family by having a laneway in Harbord Village where he lived and worked named for him. In 2012 a play called The Postman also debuted as a walking play of Jackson’s postal route, then finally in 2017 there was an unveiling of a plaque to honour him downtown at the former site of the Toronto General Post Office where Jackson picked up his mail for delivery.