February is Black History Month
February is Black History Month. This month of observance is intended to highlight Black history, excellence, and joy, while also recognizing the ongoing systemic oppression and racism that Black individuals face. The brutal murder of Tyre Nichols by five police officers has once again brought to the forefront the ongoing anti-Black violence in our society. We recognize that events such as these are heart-wrenching for all of us but even more so for Black individuals. HSA stands in solidarity with all who are impacted and strives to work alongside Black communities to dismantle anti-Black racism.
The theme for Black History Month 2023 is “Black resistance”. Today, we want to shine a spotlight on Black Canadians who have made significant contributions to the health care system and continue to do so. Black women, in particular, have been vital to the health care system. In 2016, one-third of female Black workers aged 25 to 59 in Canada worked in the health care and social assistance sector, and no other sector had such high proportions of female Black workers (Statistics Canada). This recent article highlights Black women who are currently improving Canadian healthcare by challenging inequities and pioneering inclusive initiatives. This is a time to honor these contributions.
There are many ways to commemorate and below are just a few suggestions:
Read: Black History in Canada | The Canadian Encyclopedia
25 books about being Black in Canada | CBC Books
What you call black history, I call liberation: Cole | The Star
Watch: Black History Month: Exploring the past and future of February’s annual celebration | CBC Kids News - YouTube
18 Best Movies to Watch for Black History Month (katiecouric.com)
Listen: Canada's slavery secret: The whitewashing of 200 years of enslavement by Ideas | Podchaser
Donate: 19 Organizations Supporting Black Canadians to Donate to | Elle Canada
Support: Black-Owned Businesses in Vancouver - A Comprehensive Directory (coffeeandmascara.org)
Attend: 10 Black History Month events to check out in Metro Vancouver | Listed (dailyhive.com)
Events – BC Black History Awareness Society
However you choose to honor Black history today and going forward, we hope it is a rich and meaningful experience for you.