This February marks the start of Black History Month in Canada. This month, we celebrate Black Canadians and honour the many achievements and contributions they have made to our society. It is also a time to recognize and confront the history of racism and discrimination Black people have experienced in Canada, while acknowledging their perseverance, resistance, and resilience. This year’s theme for Black History Month is, “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.”
In the 1700s, many Black people came to Canada as slaves with white settlers. Around this time, freedom from slavery was offered in Canada to enslaved Africans who agreed to fight for the British during the American War of Independence. Unfortunately, many faced so much discrimination in Canada that they decided to return to the United States, where they had been enslaved. In the 1800s, approximately 30,000 black people came to Canada via the Underground Railroad. In 1833, slavery was abolished in Canada.
In 2021, approximately, 1.5 million people in Canada identified as Black. The Black community heralds over 300 different ethnic and cultural origins, and many have a long history of generations in Canada. Black History month is a time to learn more about the stories, culture, and identity of Black Canadians, as well as celebrate their innovation and resilience. This month and beyond, we are challenged to educate ourselves on the inequalities experienced by Black Canadians and remain dedicated to working towards a more inclusive and diverse future.
As we recognize one another’s cultures, traditions, and histories, and as more and more workplaces develop anti-racism policies and look to shift their systems and culture, it is imperative that lawyers who handle employment, human rights, or workplace investigation matters stay up to date on the law and related practice. Our upcoming Anti-Racism in Employment Law Practice (Webinar) will explore relevant human rights jurisprudence and practical strategies relating to policies, employee training, and reporting systems through the lens of cognitive bias and theory. For more information, click here.