Every February, the contributions of Black people are highlighted and celebrated across Canada and the US. Having been born and raised in Canada, I grew up knowing about Donovan Bailey, Oscar Peterson, Lincoln Alexander, Michaёlle Jean, and Viola Desmond, to name just a few notable Black Canadians. It would take years for me to learn the stories of Marie-Joseph Angélique, Horace Hawkins, Josiah Henson, and Mary Ann Shadd. If you don’t know the stories of these folks, I encourage you to do some research.
It was taught to me in public education that Canada (“the north”) was the last stop on the Underground Railroad, the informal transport system used by fugitive slaves to get from the binds of American slavery into the “freedom” of Canada. I know now that this is an incomplete retelling of history. It is from exhibitions such as the Art Gallery of Ontario’s Free Black North that I came to realize that sometimes, the treatment of slaves was so bad in Canada that enslaved folks went back to New York and other American states to have a less harsh experience.
We know that settlers came to Canada, a project of stolen people on stolen land, to establish a colony in the name of the Queen of England. After generations of Black and Indigenous people struggle for personhood, citizenship, emancipation, enfranchisement, status, and government official recognition, there is still momentum toward liberation, equity, safety, justice, and freedom.
This year, the official theme for Black History Month is “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.” There is still much work to be done in order to combat anti-Black racism in Oshawa, systemic oppression across Canada, and make moves in support of equity-deserving groups and people of the global majority. Since its inception in 1976, Black History Month has been an opportunity to reflect on how we can make movements forward. It is an opportunity to reflect on our own place in the systems that create inequality and forge community so we may become, to some degree, freer. This year is no different.
In 2023, I wanted to celebrate Black contributions to Oshawa through an exploration of food and culture. Last year, I did this by looking at music and local small businesses. This year, I want to give some people who have guided me their flowers: Allison Hector-Alexander and Desmond Cole.
Allison Hector-Alexander and I go back about 10 years. She saw something in me and treated me as an asset. I would go on to present my research at Harvard University’s Black Portraitures conference, where I invited her to participate in my panel. For years after, we co-founded and supported Durham College’s Black Student Success Network. In 2019, Allison won the Madiba Award, a prestigious honour “recognizing a community leader of African ancestry in Durham Region who embodies Nelson Mandela’s values, visions and commitment to overcoming barriers.” Allison is now the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the Region of Durham. Aside from recounting her esteemed resume, I would like to celebrate a Black Caribbean woman who has been a giant in my life, a true north star for how to lead with passion, an unwavering voice, care, ethics, and thoughtfulness, all with a through line of taking care of self so we can show up for others. Allison represents for me the values learned from the Caribbean, brought over to the diaspora, and applied where possible. Allison, thank you for your Black legacy and leadership.
Desmond Cole lived for several years in Oshawa and went on to become a renowned journalist. His book, The Skin We’re In, is a timeless retelling of one year of Black resistance and power. I met Desmond at a few local conferences in the spirit of dismantling anti-Black racism. We met again as we sat in the courthouse in support of Dafonte Miller, a Whitby teenager who lost his eye at the hands of an off-duty police officer and his civilian brother. The Black community was galvanized to do the care work of showing up for each other, being heard, being visible, demanding “never again.” Every time I have ever seen Desmond, it is with the city on his back, shouldering everything lobbed at him as “the people’s champ.” His selfless work as a community builder, documenter, and abolitionist keeps me going and gives me hope that together, there is a way forward. Desmond, thank you for being an unapologetic visionary, an inspiring writer, and an example of what is possible.
If you are looking for ways to participate this Black History Month, supporting the local folks, doing the vital groundwork of providing care and mutual aid, and using their voices are impactful places to start. Allison and Desmond are just two examples of the many who do this work every day and go unsung.
On Wednesday, February 26, the Regent Theatre will be amplifying the artistry of Nigeria’s film industry. As the event boasts, “In partnership with Ontario Tech University Faculty of Social Science and Humanities, the City of Oshawa will be hosting Exploring Nollywood, an event to showcase Nigeria's exciting and growing film industry. The event will include live musical performances, a facilitated discussion, and a film screening of an original Nollywood film. This event is recommended for ages 14 and up.” Registration for this free event is now open.
I got into the groove of celebrating Black history first by attending the Reggadiction set on January 25 at the Biltmore Theatre. One of my heroes is Bob Marley, whose birthday is celebrated on February 6. Oshawa’s music scene is not only growing but also becoming increasingly diverse. This February, learn more about the cultural icons who have made significant contributions to Black heritage and find places in Oshawa to gather, support, and build a community united by the goals of “one love.”
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