Oshawa honouring achievements of Black community during Black History Month

Oshawa is celebrating the resilience, achievements and contributions of the Black community throughout generations as Black History Month in Canada gets underway.

Mayor Dan Carter said the month also serves to remind us of the “profound impact” Black Canadians have made throughout history and their role in shaping Canada’s rich cultural tapestry.

“The stories of Black Canadians are an integral part of our country’s and our city’s heritage. I encourage everyone to take some time this month to learn more about these stories, not only to honour the contributions of Black Canadians to our society, but also to better understand how this history informs our present.”

“Black History Month is more than a reflection on the past; it is a call to action,” he declared. “The legacy of historic racism and discrimination continues to be felt today as many members of Black communities still experience barriers to inclusion that take the forms of violence, oppression and harassment. We recognize that it is not enough to acknowledge past injustices and the ongoing impacts of anti-Black racism; we must also commit to meaningful action.”

Carter said the City of Oshawa is committed to dismantling racism and in particular, anti-Black racism in the community. As part of this commitment, staff continue to undertake training in unconscious bias and anti-racism and solicit feedback on initiatives from the voices on the City’s Community Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee.

“As we commemorate Black History Month, let us engage in open dialogue, challenge systemic inequalities and champion inclusivity. By recognizing the significance of Black history, we take a crucial step toward building a more equitable and harmonious society for everyone.”

To learn more about Black history in Oshawa, visits the Oshawa Museum blog.

Black History Month