February 8, 2023
Dear Members:
Black History Month in Canada acknowledges the contributions and experiences of Black people in Canada. These are histories that need to be publicly recognized, celebrated, and taught all year – not just for one month. These celebrations were first started by what is now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History in the United States, and have since spread to countries and communities all over the world.
Black Canadians have impacted our society through the Underground Railroad, which offered a waypoint for enslaved peoples to escape America in the mid-19th century by crossing the border into Canada. They have fought for civil rights in the 20th century and continue to fight against anti-black racism and discrimination while making invaluable contributions to Canadian civic and social life in both the past and the present.
Consider signing up to have an early look at a new Citizenship Challenge video, produced for Historica Canada, that features the inspiring story of Thornton and Lucie Blackburn. The video will include a useful education guide, sent directly to your email inbox.
Here are some great resources and links provided in Historica Canada’s Black History Month newsletter for February 2023:
- Learn about the trailblazing career and life of Herb Carnegie, a pioneering Black Canadian athlete who broke barriers in professional hockey and made significant contributions to his community.
- Discover the powerful legacy of Kay Livingstone, known for coining the term visible minority in 1975.
- Explore the inspiring story of Jean Augustine, the first Black female MP and Cabinet minister. Her legacy includes the federal declaration of February as Black History Month, a motion she introduced in 1995.
- Did you know Angela James is known as "the Wayne Gretzky of women's hockey,"? She was a pioneering and dominant force in women's hockey during the 1980s and 1990s.
In solidarity,
UFV FSA
Satwinder Bains, VP Equity, FSA
Michelle Vandepol, VP Member Engagement, FSA
Ian Rocksborough-Smith, FPSE Human Rights and International Solidarity Rep, FSA
University of the Fraser Valley Faculty & Staff Association
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www.ufv-fsa.ca
