Every February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month events and festivities that honour the legacy of Black people in Canada and their communities.

2023 Theme for Black History Month 

The 2023 theme for Black History Month is: “Ours to tell.” This theme represents both an opportunity to engage in open dialogue and a commitment to learning more about the stories Black communities in Canada have to tell about their histories, successes, sacrifices and triumphs.

No matter where you live, we invite all Canadians to learn more about these communities, and how they continue to help shape Canadian history.

Black History in Canada

Black Canadians and their communities have been a part of shaping Canada’s heritage and identity since the arrival of Mathieu Da Costa, a navigator, and interpreter, whose presence in Canada dates back to the early 1600s.

The role of Black people and their communities in Canada has largely been ignored as a key part of Canada’s history. There is little mention that some of the Loyalists who came here after the American Revolution and settled in the Maritimes were people of African descent, nor the fact that many soldiers of African descent made many sacrifices in wartime as far back as the War of 1812.

Few people in Canada are aware of the fact that African people were once enslaved in the territory that is now known as Canada, or of how those who fought enslavement helped to lay the foundation of Canada’s diverse and inclusive society.

Black History Month is a time to learn more about these Canadian stories and the many other important contributions that Black Canadians and their communities have made to the history and continued growth of this country.

Black History Month in Edmonton Catholic Schools

Edmonton Catholic Schools consultants are sharing many opportunities and rich resources with our staff so that they can learn and explore more about Black History in Canada and around the world. 

Our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism team produced a series of videos featuring students and staff reflecting on what Black History Month means to them.

Featured #BHM2023 Student Activities

Students at Austin O’Brien Catholic High School created this mural to hang in their school. The lead artist, Daniela D, shares, “I wanted to capture the diversity that exists in Canada and did so by including Black community figures from different backgrounds. We have musical artist the Weeknd, an author, an athlete, and many others who capture the success of the community.”

🎨 by Daniela D, Savannah T, Sara V, Christina T, Isabella C, and Sara P

The AOB Black History Month Committee has also printed, cut, and pressed hundreds of BHM buttons to distribute to students. 

As part of Black History Month at St. Francis Xavier Catholic High School, students hosted a lunchtime concert featuring former students and artists AmericanoBlessing and Teresah. 

Students at Blessed John Paul I spent the day atJube School at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium playing the steelpan alongside pannist Danielle George. They learned about the history of the percussion instrument and some techniques.

Archbishop MacDonald High School hosted a Taste of MAC in which students were invited to share their cultures through food and dance. 

The school also invited guest speakers Sarah Adomako-Ansah and Chinaemerem Ogbonna to participate in a “Let’s Talk” session.

The Art Club at Mother Margaret Mary Catholic High School is selling original artwork stickers and prints. Proceeds from the sale are supporting the MMM Black Student Association’s social justice initiative creating hair education and care packages for young Black people.

Students at St. Gerard Catholic Elementary School worked on a collaborative mural of Viola Desmond that is now hanging in the school.

Grade 3 students at St. Catherine Catholic Elementary/Junior High School first explored and then created their own African Line Art.

Continue to check back throughout the month of February to see how ECSD students are marking Black History Month.