With February being Black History Month, Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) students and staff are expanding their learning about the important achievements and contributions of Black individuals to history, culture, and the fabric of Canada.
The federal government’s theme for 2026 is “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries” as we mark three decades in Canada recognizing this special month.
Black History Week 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
This Black History Month, please
visit our dedicated web page for a variety of resources, including Legacy Voices, a YouTube channel dedicated to showcasing Black excellence through short, engaging videos. Notable individuals featured include Canadian civil rights pioneer Viola Desmond, legendary musician Bob Marley, Canada’s first Black Member of Parliament Lincoln Alexander, and Dr. Patricia Bath, the groundbreaking inventor and ophthalmologist who transformed eye care. Additional resources from the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario, the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation, and TVO are also included, among others.
In BWDSB elementary schools with intermediate students, the book “Trailblazers: The Black Pioneers Who Have Shaped Canada” has been provided to deepen learning about the enduring legacy of Black Canadians.