Black History Month

“Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.”
― Carter G. Woodson

HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Black history month was started by Carter G. Woodson in 1926 as Negro History Week to showcase the contributions of Black Americans. It took place in the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass (who (arguably) both played a significant role in helping to end slavery). Woodson's concept was later expanded into Black History Month. 

Today, Black History Month is celebrated world wide, and is a time to honour the contributions and legacy of Black people history and society — from activists and civil rights pioneers to leaders in industry, politics, science and culture. 

In Canada, we celebrate BHM (not to be confused with BLM [Black Lives Matter]) in February. Some countries including the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Ireland, celebrate it in October. In 1979, Toronto became the first municipality in Canada to proclaim Black History Month through the efforts of many individuals and organizations such as the Ontario Black History Society (Dr. Daniel G. Hill and Wilson O. Brooks). 

In 1995, African-Canadian parliament member Jean Augustine (elected the first Black female Member of Parliament & the first Black woman in Cabinet [2002]) motioned for Black History Month to be recognized nationally bring awareness & to honour the legacy of Black people in Canada and our communities. The Canadian 2023 theme for Black History Month is: “Ours to Tell”.

KNOWING THE PAST OPENS THE DOOR TO THE FUTURE.
I often say, this entire conversation is extremely complex and nuanced, yet can be as simple as Dr. Seuss.

Simply put, when people - all people - gain an understanding of others, including their contributions to society (including, in our case, the contributions of Black people to music and creative industries and the roots of the music genres etc), collectively, we start to understand how alike we are. Respect is created when people VALUE others - including knowing the things that they've brought to the table such as the mailbox, the traffic light, the automatic gear shifter (most of us drive automatic cars), the clothes dryer, automatic elevator doors, folding chairs, gas furnaces, the golf tee, the modern toilet, the home security system, the pacemaker... amongst thousands of others. For instance, the reason we use the term "The Real McCoy"? It's because of a Canadian Black inventor named Elijah McCoy.

Although BHM is a month long focus on the Black heroes and pioneers who have shaped our world, it spotlights the importance of being an ally to marginalized communities — not for 28 days but for all 365 days in a year...

In the music space, Black people are present in every and area and space in the creation of music. Canada has a great history and present contribution to the music and cultural space. How can any conversation on Black music in Canada be complete without mention of Drake and The Weeknd? Or an acknowledgment that some of our biggest cultural exports are PERFORMING.

OFTEN, CONVERSATIONS ON BLACK HISTORY IN CANADA ARE CENTRED AROUND BLACK HISTORY IN THE UNITED STATES AND CONVERSATIONS ON BLACK MUSIC ON BLACK AMERICANS, AND SPECIFICALLY HIP HOP.

Here are some CANADIAN names to know (there are thousands, but you have to do the work too!)
When speaking of Black Canadian artists, we often speak of incredible artists such as Oscar Peterson, Salome Bey, Jully Black and Kardinal Offishall. Black artists have contributed to the Canadian music landscape.in EVERY genre... (many genres of which have historically Black origins - more on that below)

Here are some names to know: 
Tamia, Deborah Cox, Savannah Re, Adria Kane, Tamia  (RNB)
Ammoye, Kairo McLean, Exco Levi (reggae)
The OBGMs, SATE, Fefe Dobson (rock)
Measha Brueggergosman, Portia White (opera/classical)
Molly Johnson (Jazz/Pop) 

RESOURCES:
HERE ARE SOME ARTICLE/S/BOOKS ON BLACK CANADIANS IN MUSIC 

Black Canadian artists 
African Music in Canada

Jazz Through the Ages: African-Canadian Impact on Canadian Identity
Black Canadian composers of art song
10 Defining Moments in Canadian Music History by Black Artists
A timeline of Canadian R&B, from its early years to today

MORE...
Historic Black Canadians (Books available to Toronto Public Library)
20+ Inspirational Black Canadians To Know

DID YOU KNOW?
As you log in to your zoom, skype, Teams (yuk) meeting today, did you know a Black woman, Marian Croak, created VOIP (Voice over IP)? Read on for more.
Everyday Things Created by Black Inventors

As you read the above on your down time, I implore you to ponder the wealth of contributions of Black people to society, including our space, music, but to worldwide culture, science, politics, sport and beyond. 

Understanding the history of others is a CRITICAL step in creating equity.