Black History Month affords all citizens of Ontario a chance to reflect upon and celebrate the important contributions African-Canadians have made to the development of our nation and our province.
The origins of Black History Month can be traced to 1926, when Harvard-educated black historian Carter G. Woodson founded Negro History Week to celebrate the history, contributions and culture of African-Americans. Woodson chose the second week in February for the new festival to link the celebrations to the birth dates of black activist Frederick Douglass (February 7, 1817) and President Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809). Fifty years later, as part of the American bi-centennial celebrations in 1976, the week was expanded to become National Black History month.
In Canada, official recognition first came in the early 1950's when the Canadian Negro Women's Association successfully petitioned the Toronto city council to acknowledge the week. This initial acceptance apparently faded over the years. It was not until the late 1970's that the council, after lobbying by the newly formed Ontario Black History Society, followed the example of the United States and declared that henceforth February would be known as Black History Month. Finally, in 1993, Black History Month was proclaimed by former Lieutenant Governor, Hal Jackman.
The history of African-Canadians in this province is marked by great struggles and great triumphs. We have come a long way as Ontarians since our first Lieutenant Governor, John Graves Simcoe, first introduced legislation in 1793 to outlaw slavery. However, it is a sad fact that in 2008 the struggle for equality among all races continues. It is amazing to think that it was only in 1979 that Ontario had its first African-Canadian Cabinet Minister, Lincoln Alexander.
We owe it to each other as citizens of this great province to utilize Black History Month to ensure that the contributions made by African-Canadians to the development of Canada and Ontario are no longer overlooked. I wish all of you an exciting Black History Month. Let us commemorate, reflect, and celebrate!