February 2022 marks the 27th anniversary of Black History Month in Canada. For me, it is a time of deep reflection and learning.
Black History Month in Canada was created to provide an opportunity to share and learn about people of African ancestry and those who define themselves as such (1). It is a month to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of the Black/African Canadians who have shaped our nation; to purposefully recognize the lasting contributions Black people have made to building our culturally diverse society.
Learning about different peoples and culture is a personal commitment of mine; one I take seriously. I am committed to allyship, and my way forward is through empathy, knowledge and understanding. In my recent readings about the struggles of the Black community in Canada, I learned that the very first race riot in North America happened in 1784 in Birchtown, Shelburne County, Nova Scotia. This was interesting to me on two fronts, first my family has roots in Nova Scotia and secondly, I realized that even though society is more informed today, and much is being done to stem anti-Black racism, there is still so much more that needs to be done.
Around the time of the American Revolution the British offered escaped Black slaves, freedom and land in Canada if they fought for them in the American Revolution. Problems began with rising racial tensions between the colony of free Black loyalists in Birchtown and the predominately white community of Shelburne County. In 1784, forty white loyalists broke into the house of David George, a Black preacher and the home of twenty others. This incident incited a riot that went on for ten days after which only one man was charged in connection with the riots (2). What struck me as I read this was the lack of humanity for, and accountability to fellow citizens. This event happened over 200 years ago and today we are still grappling with anti-Black racism.
In December 2020, the Toronto-based public engagement organization-Civic Action (3) and the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) released a report titled: The Pervasive Reality of Anti-Black Racism in Canada (4). They compiled existing data from the municipal, provincial and national level to show how anti-Black racism appears in four important lifecycle areas: education, employment, health care, and policing. They focused on four areas and in those areas the research shows that Black people experience greater racial inequalities compared to other groups. As I read the report and its findings-which I find very disconcerting, I am convinced that my journey into learning has only just begun.
The Pervasive Reality of Anti-Black Racism in Canada : A report from Civic Action and Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
| Areas of Focus | Research Showed |
| Children and Youth Development | Systemic bias resulting in worse educational outcomes for Black students |
| Job Opportunities and income supports | Reduced likelihood of Black Canadians succeeding in the job hiring process. Impaired career progression and lower level of integration for Black employees |
| Health and Community Services | Inferior access to healthcare (physical and mental) for the Black population versus other groups |
| Policing and the Justice System | Racial profiling of Black communities and biased outcomes in police interactions |
I believe that education and engagement are crucial steps toward unravelling the complex challenges we must face together. It empowers us all to do the work that is necessary to achieve the type of world we want to be a part of. I also feel that if we cultivate empathy— imagining ourselves in the situation of others, we will learn to combat racism, including anti-Black racism and build a more diverse and inclusive society that is informed by Black history, Black voices, Black expertise and Black lived experiences.
While it is very important to celebrate and recognize the incredible contributions to our world by Black people, there is much work still to be done to combat anti-Black racism. We do not have the luxury of sitting on the sidelines and expecting others to do the work that is necessary. As members of society striving for a just and equitable world, we all have a responsibility to fight anti-Black racism and racism in all its forms, so that together we can continue to elevate and celebrate each other.
It is my intention to continue to be actively engaged in the conversation on the persistence of anti-Black racism; to listen, engage with, and learn from the experiences of our own Black students, alumni, scholars, and staff, to contribute to a community where equity and inclusivity thrive in thought and action.
I support the efforts being undertaken at the University to address systemic racism, like the recently announced Security Services Review. In June 2020, a series of conversations were held with members of the University’s Black and racialized community, to discuss their experiences with anti-Black racism on York’s campuses and to gather concrete suggestions for change. During these meetings, many experiences were shared, including feelings of a lack of personal and emotional safety, daily experiences of racial harassment, exclusion, discrimination, lack of representation, lack of respect, and barriers to academic and career advancement. Students spoke of not seeing themselves reflected in the faculty, instructors, staff, administration, and curriculum, being subject to racial profiling and surveillance while on campus, and a general lack of support. Participants in those conversations also shared suggestions on how to reduce systemic barriers and create greater inclusion. The feedback from those conversations helped to inform the University’s Framework on Black Inclusion (5) and the Action Plan on Black Inclusion (6). The Security Services Review is a commitment and action identified in the University’s Action Plan on Black Inclusion. Central to the review process will be equity, diversity, and inclusion—just one of the ways the University is working toward dismantling anti-Black racism and indeed, all forms of racism.
As we continue to face this pandemic, please allow the celebration of Black History Month to serve as a reminder of the multiple contributions made by Black Canadians. Let’s celebrate with optimism for the future and continue to embrace the diversity that defines our university, our city and our country. I encourage you to attend the different virtual events going on this month across our campuses in celebration of Black History Month. Please visit the University’s website on Black History Month to learn more.
Please join me on my journey of learning; I encourage you to explore the links below.
Carol
1: The Canadian Race Relations Foundation
3: Civic Action
4: The Pervasive Reality of Anti-Black Racism in Canada
5: Addressing Anti-Black Racism: A Framework on Black Inclusion
6: Action Plan on Black Inclusion: A Living Document for Action
Visit the DFA website for additional resources.