rabble.ca's Activist Toolkit explores Black History Month this February.
black history
Da Costa, black history and inclusiveness in Canada
I have high regard for President Barack Hussein Obama. His ascent to the presidency was a magnificent moment in history. As an African-American citizen with a Canadian family, it was a particularly poignant moment for me to actually have been in the U.S. to vote for him.
The Obama campaign for the presidency offered much to admire and learn from. But a very significant aspect of President Obama's victory was his vision for the United States, which was primarily one of inclusiveness. His plea was, and after his second State of the Union address essentially remains, that the fulfillment of a nation's destiny can only be achieved by harnessing the potential of all its people, not just a select few or elite. Whatever else his problems may be, we can learn a lot from this.
Unpacking the knapsack of race privilege
This article, first published in 1999, was taken from rabble.ca's vaults in time for the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on March 21.
It's several weeks after Black History Month; have you checked your racial awareness recently?
My own awareness received a sharp and exhilarating little jolt when I read an article by Dr. Peggy McIntosh in a journal published by the National Association of Women and the Law.
Black in Latin America
A few years ago a group of us went on a visit to "Ile de Gorée" -- the island was a sunlit 20-minute ferry ride off the coast of Dakar, Senegal. When reaching the shore, my first impression was that we had reached a tropical oasis: brightly coloured pink, brown and yellow buildings, children running along the dock, and vendors selling carved, rotund, wooden hippos. Within a 15-minute walk we came to a church and the guide informed us in elegant French, "In 1992 Pope John Paul II came here and asked for forgiveness."
Black history month
In Canada, black history month has been observed nationally every February since its inception in 1995. The original intention of the month was to highlight the achievements of African Canadians and create a specific space to celebrate their history in the public sphere. It is also a time where African Canadians can reflect and share the history that they discuss and live throughout the year.
Still, many myths persist around African Canadian history despite these efforts. A common myth is that Canada didn't participate in slavery, but was a safe haven. Slavery wasn't banned in the country until 1834, when it was outlawed in the rest of the British Empire.
Origin
Africville
Africville is an example of the history of racism in Canada. It challenges the national myth that because Canada didn't have slavery that the country is not built on a foundation of white supremacy, racism and colonialism.
Community
Labour walks : A catalytic walking conversation in Union Station
Aug 11 2011 - 6:30pm
Aug 11 2011 - 8:30pm
Location
Union Station
Meet under the large clock in the Great Hall of Union Station.
Toronto, ON Canada
43° 39' 12.6864" N, 79° 23' 2.0652" W
See map: Google Maps
Catalyst Centre is pleased to announce that Kellie Scanlan and Denise Hampden will be hosting the second of three walking conversations on labour history in Toronto. Kellie has extensive labour, union and popular education experience. Denise brings years of equity work practice, with women, Aboriginal workers, and workers of colour.
Contact name:
Deborah Konecny
Contact email:
