Bluewater District School Board

Bluewater's Black History Month page

Black History Month

Celebrating Black History and Excellence

"Black history has shaped the world the world we live in today" - Avion Campbell

What is Black History Month?

Black History Month was first known as Black History Week. It was created in February 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, who aimed to promote discussion about the Black experience and honour the contributions of Black individuals. February was chosen to coincide with the birthdates of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln, both significant figures in the fight against enslavement. The observance evolved from Black History Week in the late 1960s into a month-long celebration. Canada officially adopted Black History Month in 1995, following a motion by Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, to recognize the contributions of Black Canadians to the country’s cultural, social, and political landscape.
– Western University

Click on image below to see a larger version.
A photo of Mathieu Da Costa for Black History Month  A photo of Frederick D. Patterson for Black History Month  A photo of Garrett Morgan for Black History Month
A photo of Bessie Coleman for Black History Month  A photo of Benjamin O. Davis for Black History Month  A photo of Shirley Chisholm for Black History Month
A photo of Marian Croack for Black History Month  A photo of Michaelle Jean for Black History Month  A poster with a timeline of Black history in Canada  

Links to support classroom discussions about Black History

OSSTF (Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation) Black History Month Resources

ETFO (Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario) Black History Month Resources

TVO - Black History Month

Canadian Heritage - Black History Month

Celebrate Black History Month with Kahoot! Academy

National Geographic Kids - Black History Month

BC Black History Awareness Society - Black History Month

The Canadian Encyclopedia - Black History Month in Canada

Links to videos sharing Black History and Excellence

Legacy Voices: Where History Speaks and Inspires!


















Bluewater District School Board is located on the traditional land of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, which is represented by the communities of Saugeen First Nation and Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation.
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