Community strength extends beyond one month of the year
From food to politics, music, literature, and
everything in between, Black culture has influenced so many aspects of history. One month - Black History Month - is hardly long enough for the world to recognize the contributions of Black heroes throughout history. As a global community, we see those contributions and celebrate them every day. We also see the strength it has taken our ancestors to get to this point and the strength that the next generation has to take up the same fight that was started long
ago.
We have so many trailblazers to be proud of as a community. For example:
2021: Kamala Harris became the first woman and the first Black Vice President of the United States.
2009: Barack Obama became the first African American President of the United States.
1985: Lincoln Alexander became the first Black Canadian to serve as lieutenant-governor of Ontario, Canada.
1972: Rosemary Brown became the first Black woman MPP and the first to run for leadership of a federal political party in Canada.
1968: Shirley Chisolm became the first Black woman elected to congress in the United States.
1960: At six years old, Ruby Bridges was the first Black student to attend an all white school.
Late 1800s: John Ware, a legendary Black cowboy, helped to build Alberta’s ranching industry in Canada.
We will continue to break through every barrier that is in front of us because we will stand together. Our strength does not come from each individual trailblazer. It comes from the collective support that we so readily provide each
other.
Here are a few ways you can come together with the community this month and throughout the year:
Buy Black. Support Black-owned businesses. Your next take-out order? Find
a Black-owned restaurant. Valentine’s gifts for a loved one? Buy from a Black-owned shop. When we invest in our community. Our community will thrive.
Support Black Charities. Donating to a Black-led or Black-serving
organization is a great way to not only make a difference, but also to support a movement or cause you believe in. SBC has a directory of vetted organizations who are regularly looking for funding, donation of items, and volunteers to support the work they are doing within our communities.
Celebrate with your community. There are so many organizations who
celebrate throughout the month with various events. Whether it is about learning something new or pure entertainment and celebration, online or in person, this is a great time for us to come together.
These are only a few of the events and resources you can take in during Black History month. Know an event that we should share? We would love to hear about it. Share your stories with us either by responding to this email or
tagging us on social media! (Instagram: @supportblackcharities |
Twitter: @supblkcharities)
Resources: On the SBC Blog
This Black History Month let's contribute to our future
Black History Month (BHM) is here, offering once again countless ways to acknowledge this annual celebration whether you are focusing on the past, present or the future. Some celebrate,
participate, others contribute or honor it. Remember that history informs the future that we are investing in now.
For our organization, we plan to focus on how BHM specifically relates to the Black charitable and philanthropy sector today. Today’s Black non-profit sector continues to make a positive impact at the local level, more so than at a
national level. Nonetheless, this sector is having an impact by changing the narrative and delivering outcomes for several communities by providing help or bridging the gap.
Learn more about how the Black non-profit sector continues to honour the past while looking towards the future.
Founded in 1978, the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) was formed to preserve and promote Black History in Ontario. However, OBHS was also instrumental in formalizing Black History Month at all levels of
government in Canada. In the city of Toronto, Black History Month was formalized in 1995 and in the province of Ontario in 1993. In December 1995, Black History Month as recognized nationally in the House of Commons.
In addition to preservation of Black history and heritage, OBHS aims to encourage public interest – primarily by the inclusion of Black history material in school curricula. Their highly visual and impactful #BlackedOutHistory campaign brought to light how little Black history is taught in schools. And
their work continues.
OBHS is currently looking for funding to help them continue their important work within the community.
