To have students honestly ask the question: “Why do we celebrate Black History Month?” is in and of itself a great exercise in historical thinking. If planned effectively, Black History Month and all of the incredible resources, exhibitions, art shows and the like, can be a powerful way to focus on the History and Geography curriculum, develop school and community values, and get students connected with their own history.
Black History Month originally began as a weeklong celebration in the United States in 1926. It was moved to span the month of February, and February was chosen to honour the month that both Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln were born. Now, however, Black History Month is a North American tradition celebrating, as Rob Ford proclaimed in Toronto recently, “the achievements of Canadians of African descent and their contributions to the social, economic, cultural and political life. . . . It provides an opportunity to learn about and be inspired by the history, pride and strength of African Canadians.” Indeed, cities across Canada have a rich history of African-Canadian pride and innovation.
Like Rob Ford has done in Toronto, it is important for educators to make their own proclamation on what Black History Month means to them, their curriculum, and school culture. At Greenwood College School, students of the diversity committee have been highlighting art exhibits, lectures, film festivals and other cultural events throughout the city. Their stance has been to use Black History Month as a way of “reconnecting and getting out there, into your own city.” How can you understand multiculturalism if you don’t experience it?
Reflection Highlights History’s Importance
In History classes, the Ontario curriculum requires students to understand historical continuity and change. Using WWI and WWII experiences of African-Canadians, teachers can set a backdrop upon which to compare treatment and inclusion in the armed forces of cultural minorities in today’s armed forces. Also, using Canada’s Immigration and Citizenship website students can explore the war of 1812. Minister of Citizenship Jason Kenney stated: “This year, the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 affords a chance to reflect on the key role that black soldiers played in the fight for Canada.” It is this act of reflection that makes the study of history so important and current. Understanding the ethical dimension of history is a key 21st-century skill for historians, and by investigating the history of African-Canadians we can ask ourselves and our country: “What actions of the past impose a responsibility on us today?” This type of inquiry better prepares our students to tackle the ethical questions that they will face both today, and in the future.
In Geography classes, students can combine their work with Parks Canada to understand better the role that the commemorating space as culturally significant plays in reflecting the values of Canada. The Parks Canada website has much to offer in studying the geography of the Underground Railroad. Students can explore the significant sites, as well as better understand the role that Parks Canada plays in commemorating this “particular chapter in the history of Canada’s many ethnocultural communities, an area of interest that is currently regarded as under-represented within the system.”
As teachers, we must put our students in the position to question, explore and synthesize concepts as complex as change and continuity over time. This type of critical thinking and synthesis of concepts allows them to better understand our world today and sets them up well to handle the future. So “Why do we have Black History Month?” is one of the most important questions our students can ask of their teachers, their country and themselves.
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How did your school mark Black History Month? How can students better understand the contributions of cultural minorities on this month and throughout the year? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below.
Watch for Garth Nichols’ article on the Gay-Straight Alliance at Greenwood College School in the upcoming Dialogue magazine issue about diversity.