Reflecting on the resilience of Black people and exploring Black history in Canada through the eyes of a Black immigrant woman.
“No man can know where he is going unless he knows exactly where he has been and exactly how he arrived at his present place.”— Dr. Maya Angelou
I’ve never been able to relate to people saying, “I was born in the wrong decade/century.”
As a Black woman from Nigeria living in Canada, if I were to go back in Canadian history to 1619 in Jamestown, British North America, I would have been a part of the first enslaved people to arrive there.
If I went back to 1812, I would have been among the many Black people who fought alongside the British in the War of 1812.
If I went back to 1865, I would have been a part of the thousands of African Americans who sought refuge in Upper and Lower Canada via the Underground Railroad.
If I were born in 1909 in Winnipeg, I would have encountered anti-Black sentiments and newspapers predicting a move to exclude “Negro Immigrants.”
If I had been born between 1914 and 1918, although I would have been free, I would have been among the many Black people who participated in World War I efforts. If I sat in the white-only section in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, with Viola Desmond, perhaps we would have both been convicted of defrauding the government and only pardoned in 2010.
If I went back to any time before 1962, I wouldn’t have even been able to immigrate to Canada because it was in 1962 that the “White Canada Immigration Policy” was reformed.
If I went to 1964 to Africville, a community with predominantly African Nova Scotians, I would have been relocated with its inhabitants and witnessed the community being razed.
But it’s not all sad. The history of Black people in Canada is one of resilience and defying the odds. For instance, if I had a time machine, I would visit Mathieu Da Costa, the first Black interpreter in Canada. I would love to tell him about the many Black interpreters and translators worldwide who came after him.
I would love to attend the anti-slavery conference that Frederick Douglass spoke at in Toronto in 1851. I would love to tell Viola Desmond what an absolute icon she was in her fight against segregation. I would have loved to attend the first Caribana Festival in Toronto with many Black Caribbean immigrants. I would have loved to celebrate with Dr. Jean Augustine and former Senator Donald Oliver in 2008 when the Senate moved to declare February as Black History Month.
I am very grateful to live in a century when I, as an African woman, could immigrate to Canada and attend university. I am glad to live in a time when over 30 higher education institutions, including the University of Saskatchewan, have signed the Scarborough Charter—a charter that focuses on addressing anti-Black racism and promoting Black inclusion in Canadian higher education institutions. I am glad to live in a time where I can participate in Black History Month celebrations at my university and publish a piece like this with freedom.
All of these historical events are significant to me because they are part of the journey that explains why Black people have freedom and agency today in Canada. Reflecting on the experiences of various Black trailblazers gives me the confidence to be in leadership positions at the university. As the cultural wellness facilitator at Peer Health, I focus on promoting equity, inclusion, and diversity at Peer Health and in the larger university. Last year I created the Social Insights series, which dives into different aspects of the Black experience. This year I am continuing the series along with other events for Black History Month.
Black Canadians have been here for centuries, and the history of Black people immigrating here from all over the world is a long and important one that should be remembered and taught. In the words of the iconic Dr. Maya Angelou, celebrating Black History Month is important because “no man can know where he is going unless he knows exactly where he has been and exactly how he arrived at his present place.”
Some of the events for Black History Month at the USask Community Centre are listed below. Other organizations, such as the Black Students’ Mentorship Association, the Pan-African Student Association, and the Black Faculty and Staff Caucus will also host events to celebrate the month.
Remember, reflect, and learn with us during Black History Month at USask.
Social Insights: A series that dives into different aspects of the Black experience.
Part I: Racism and Mental Health
Date: Feb. 3
Time: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: USask Community Centre, Marquis 104 (Across from the USask Bookstore)
Part II: Black Cinema: Going Beyond Trauma
Date: Feb. 10
Time: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: USask Community Centre, Marquis 104 (Across from the USask Bookstore)
Scene Society Movie Nights – Movie showcases from across the Black diaspora
Movie Showing: City of God
Age rating: Rated R, Viewers discretion is advised.
Date: Feb. 6
Time: 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: USask Community Centre, Marquis 104 (Across from the USask Bookstore)
Scene Society Valentine’s Movie
Movie showing: Nappily Ever After
Age Rating: PG-13
Date: Feb. 14
Time: 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Location: USask Community Centre, Marquis 104 (Across from the USask Bookstore)