Professor Ibrahim sheds light on the historical roots of Blackness in Canada, emphasizing its continuous presence since 1604. The discussion extends to challenges in equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). He also discusses the Black student experience and upcoming initiatives, including a roundtable dialogue on the role of Black History Month in education.
Why is it important to celebrate Black History Month?
To celebrate Black History Month, we must first situate it in Canadian history. Blackness in Canada is traced back to 1604; it existed before Canada was Canada. We need to debunk the idea of the presence of Blackness in Canada as a recent phenomenon.
It鈥檚 important to understand the presence of Blackness in a long term: that complicates the idea of Canada itself. By that I mean we need to understand Black history in a way that grounds Blackness in 鈥楥anadianess.鈥 We can use Black History Month as a moment to take in this information, to be aware that we are talking about a continuous presence. Black History Month is significant because it affords us the opportunity to pause and think of the ongoing joy and excellence as well as the history of Blackness in Canada. But it鈥檚 important that we not see blackness or Black History Month as an event. It鈥檚 not something such as an event to celebrate and then move on from.
What does Black History Month mean for international Black students?
It is absolutely relevant for them, although they may not have a deep understanding of Blackness in Canada. They have their own understanding, in their own countries, with a different history and a different perspective. There are no Black people in Africa 鈥 there are Africans. There are no Black people in Jamaica. There are Jamaicans. That is to say Blackness is not their determining factor. Here, they come under an umbrella of Blackness and take in the knowledge of Black history in Canada. Black im