Black History Month: Honouring the Past, Embracing the Present, Shaping the Future.

As we celebrate Black History Month, it’s important to acknowledge the significant contributions of Black Canadians to the field of social work and the broader society. Black Canadians have a rich history that spans over 400 years, with the first person of African heritage known to have arrived in what is now Canada in the 1600s.

Black History Month is not just for Black people; it is an opportunity for the world to learn about these contributions. The month’s events and discussions aim to demystify critical race theory, understand the historical call for financial restitution to Black Canadians and Americans, and explore Afrofuturism. These activities provide a platform for engaging in thoughtful discussions and reflecting on the excellence of the Black community.

Over the centuries, Black communities have been established across Canada, some as a result of war and others through the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses that helped enslaved African Americans escape to free states and Canada.

As social workers, it’s essential to recognize and honour the diverse experiences of the Black community. Racial equity and justice are at the core of our profession, and Black History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the impact of racism on people’s social, economic, health, and environmental conditions.

In the realm of social work, Black Canadians have made significant strides. For instance, Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard, a proud social worker, founded the Association of Black Social Workers in 1979. In 1990, she became a professor at the Dalhousie School of Social Work, and in 2017, she was the first African Canadian to be appointed Professor Emeritus in the School of Social Work.

Black social workers have been instrumental in advancing best practices and quality of care with culturally responsive and evidence-based approaches to empower and uplift Black communities. They have also been at the forefront of advocating for culturally appropriate education and training around Anti-Black Racism, raising awareness around social issues that impact marginalized populations. 

This month, several events are taking place that highlight the work of Black social workers. These include the “Black Voices in Social Work Series” from February 7th to May 1st, 2024, which spotlights Black innovation, leadership, and Black-centric approaches in social work. The “International Social Service Canada – Social Work beyond Borders” webinar on February 9th, 2024, emphasizes the global perspective of social work. The “SABSW/SASW Panel – Allies, Accomplices and Co-conspirators: challenges, opportunities and a way forward” on February 15th, 2024, discusses the challenges and opportunities in social work.

As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s remember the significant contributions of Black Canadians to social work and continue to learn from their experiences and insights. Their work has not only shaped the field of social work but also continues to influence the broader society in Canada. Let’s reaffirm our commitment to undoing racism and promoting racial equity in our profession. By acknowledging the past, celebrating the present, and working towards a more just and inclusive future, we honour the legacy of Black individuals and contribute to a more equitable society.