By Emily Stonehouse
Black History Month is recognized over the month of February, and has been across the country since 1995.
In 1978, the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) was established. Its founders presented a petition to the City of Toronto to have February formally proclaimed as Black History Month, with the first proclamation put in place the following year.
Over the years, various provinces began adding celebrations during the month of February, with Rosemary Sadlier, president of the OBHS, introducing the idea of having Black History Month recognized across Canada in 1993. She made the proposal to the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament.
By 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada, following a motion introduced by Dr. Augustine. The House of Commons carried the motion unanimously, according to the Government of Canada website.
“During Black History Month, we honour and amplify the voices of Black Canadians while celebrating their many achievements and contributions,” says the federal site. “The efforts of Black Canadians and their communities throughout history have greatly enriched Canada’s cultural diversity, compassion and prosperity.”
The site references Mathieu Da Costa, a navigator and interpreter, whose presence in Canada is first referenced in the early 1600s. “The role of Black people and their communities in Canada has largely been ignored as a key part of Canada’s history,” says the website. “There is little mention that some of the Loyalists who came here after the American Revolution and settled in the Maritimes were people of African descent, nor the fact that many soldiers of African descent made many sacrifices in wartime as far back as the War of 1812.”
The Federal agency also notes that few Canadians are aware of the brutal history of African people who were once enslaved throughout the geographical boundaries now known as Canada, “or of how those who fought enslavement helped to lay the foundation of Canada’s diverse and inclusive society.”
Right here in the Haliburton Highlands, a number of organizations are showcasing Black history to the community. The Haliburton County Library (HCPL) dedicated the entire month to highlight and elevate Black brilliance in film, media, and literacy.
“Celebrating Black History Month feels especially important in a rural community like ours, where people may not always have as many opportunities to encounter diverse stories and perspectives,” said Shawna Gamblem, the programming and outreach coordinator for HCPL, “and where the library can help create space for learning, conversation, and shared understanding.”
Gamblem shared that HCPL had organized a number of film screenings for all ages that incorporated Black history and contributions, as well as musical sessions and resources to showcase this important part of our national identity. “Most of our branches are also featuring Black History Month book displays for both children and adults,” added Gamblem, “making it easy for visitors of all ages to discover powerful stories and voices throughout the month.”
Haliburton School of Art and Design is another organization dedicated to amplifying diverse voices through their programming.
Erin Lynch, the operations and programming manager for the school, spent weeks leading up to February researching Black artists; particularly ones with ties to the Haliburton Highlands. “We wanted to do something around art,” she said, “and as an arts school, that seemed like a natural fit.”
After receiving permissions from the artists, Lynch assembled a display at the front entryway of the Great Hall at the Haliburton campus, featuring Black arists in a wide variety of mediums. Three featured artists, Aly McDonald, Charmaine Lurch, and Andy Akangah, all have direct ties to the school.
McDonald graduated from Fleming in 2019 with their visual and creative arts diploma, with a certificate in painting and drawing. She describes her work as “contemporary nude expressionism”, and uses bold dashes, strokes, and colours to capture the energy of a piece. “Aly strives to express that even when a body is in a vulnerable state of nudity, every individual’s body is their own. Nudity isn’t inherently sexual,” reads the display at the college.
Many would recognize the work of Charmaine Lurch from the Haliburton Sculpture Forest, which wins around Glebe Park. While she once attended the college herself, her wire bee sculptures currently dance around the Haliburton destination. “Working with a range of materials and reimagining our surroundings – from bees and taxi cabs to the Tempest and quiet moments of joy,” reads her school bio, “Lurch subtly connects Black life and movement globally.”
Andy Akangah is a Benin-Ghanaian-Canadian self-taught illustrator. As the founder and CEO of AKARTS Comics, a hip-hop inspired art feature, Akangah “merges the visual language of comic books, anime, and streetwear,” says his bio, “exploring themes of identity, nostalgia, and Black cultural expression through bold, character-driven compositions.” Akangah has taught and delivered presentations at Haliburton School of Art and Design in the past.
“We would like to expand our diversity in terms of course offerings and faculty,” said Lynch, “because it’s a reflection of what Canadian society is made of. This is a great opportunity to celebrate Black artists and designers.”
While Black History Month is winding down for the year, resources and features will continue to be available at the local libraries, as well as Haliburton School of Art and Design.
