February is Black History Month
January 31, 2013 at 2:00 PM
Black History Month is a time to celebrate the progress, richness and diversity of the achievements and contributions of Blacks in Canada and around the world.
With roots dating back to 1603, African-Canadians have defended, cleared, built and farmed this country. Many Canadians, for example, are still unaware of Canada's central role in the Underground Railroad. Oppressed slaves wanted a way out, and with the help of Abolitionist and other Anti-Slavery proponents, many slaves escaped to freedom in Canada which was referred to as "Heaven".
A lot of them were helped along their way via the so-called Underground Railroad. The
Underground Railroad was neither underground nor a railroad. It was a loosely constructed network of escape routes that originated in the Southern United States, through the less restricted North and eventually stretched to Canada. Slaves escaped not only to Canada, but also to Mexico and the Caribbean. This system of escape started as early as the 1500s and operated well into the 1800s.
"It's important for all of us to celebrate and recognize the contributions made by Canadians of African origin to our union and our country," said Local 500 President, Mike Davidson. “Black members in our Local play a key role in fighting for human rights and equality in the workplace.”
Every year Canadians are invited to take part in the activities that commemorate the legacy of Black Canadians, past and present.
Please click here to learn more about Black History Month. You can also click here to download a calendar of events.
