February is Black History Month!

Black History Month in Canada celebrates and honors the contributions, achievements, and history of Black Canadians, acknowledging their vital role in shaping the nation's identity while also confronting ongoing systemic racism and barriers, encouraging education, reflection, and building a more equitable future for Black communities. It recognizes Black history as integral to Canadian history, spanning centuries from early settlers and the Underground Railroad to contemporary leaders, while promoting awareness of challenges like discrimination and advocating for justice and inclusion year-round.

This year’s theme is “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.” This theme celebrates three decades of Black History Month in Canada and recognizes the enduring legacy of Black Canadians, whose leadership, creativity, innovation and resilience have shaped our past, continue to influence our present, and will inspire future generations.

On Black Excellence Day in January, over 3000 students in Grades 4-12 from the Chilliwack School District participated in the Black Excellence Day program. Staff are invited to view and use the Black Excellence Day presentation prepared by Burnaby School District and the BC Black Educational Leaders Association (BCBELA) https://bcbela.ca. This resource is available for the month of February and is intended for students in Grades 4 - 12.

Learn more: www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month.html.