Black History Month 2021

February marks Black History Month. It is a time to learn about the important contributions of Black Canadians to the settlement, growth and development of Canada, and about the diversity of Black communities in Canada and their importance to the history of this country.

This year’s theme is The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity and as such, this theme couldn’t be more relevant to the work we do at Habitat for Humanity GTA.

In Canada, systemic racism and discrimination is a reality for Black Canadians, racialized Canadians and Indigenous peoples. Data shows that racialized Canadians have experienced many of the worst health and economic impacts of the pandemic. Global events during the pandemic have also shone a spotlight on the realities of racism, particularly anti-Black racism, that still persist, including here in Canada.

We have a long way to go but the recent funding announcement in tandem with CMHC is a concrete way for Habitat for Humanity to address the effects of systemic racism on housing inequity for BIPOC families in Canada. Alongside like-minded partner organizations, like the Black North Initiative, we’re confident that we can and will make lasting and meaningful change.

Our CEO, Ene Underwood, recently moderated an important Black North Initiative conversation hosted by The Empire Club of Canada on Systemic Racism, Housing and the realities of Black Canadians, which continues to forward this important conversation.

Throughout the month, as a way to celebrate Black History Month, we will be sharing links and resources on social media to stay engaged in anti-Black racism work beyond February.