Black History Month is a time to commemorate and acknowledge the contributions and achievements of Black people to all areas of society. It is a time when we can tell our story in the way it needs to be told – with truth and authenticity. It’s a month when I can honor my ancestors, on whose shoulders I stand. In my home, Black history is not limited to a month. Black history should be “ours to tell” not just in the month of February. It’s my hope that there will come a day when the legacy of Black people and our contributions to Canada and the world can be found in the books used to teach our children in schools.

This year, for the first time, a group of employees – all members of our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (EDIA) committee – came together and formed a Black History Month committee that planned this month’s events. The larger EDIA committee has over 270 members. I am very proud of the committee and the number of events they created to celebrate the many achievements of Black Canadians. Their efforts also help to amplify the voices and experiences of Black employees at MPAC.

This year, we decided to focus on creating a welcoming space for employees to learn about the vast and rich history of Black Canadians. Our EDIA Knowledge Cafes provided the opportunity for employees from anywhere in the province to come together virtually once a week, to listen and engage with a panel of EDIA committee members. The topics discussed highlight the contributions, experiences, and history of Black Canadians. Throughout our EDIA initiative, we learned how important it is to have these conversations. Reading books to increase the knowledge and awareness of Black history is great but having conversations that allow for sharing, listening, understanding, learning and unlearning is equally important. #inclusion #diversity #equity #antiracism