For the City of Stratford, Black History Month is an important time for us to reflect on the histories of resistance within the City. During one of our recent City leadership meetings, we provided our team with education about the deep-rooted discrimination and resistance of Africville in Nova Scotia. We had an open discussion about what we can do to celebrate and recognize Black Canadians’ contributions and the local Black history within the City.

Rosa Park’s legendary sit-in by the window on the Mongomery, Alabama city bus in December 1955 reminds us of Viola Desmond’s earlier decision in 1946 to use her 40-cent movie ticket to sit wherever she pleased in the Roseland Film Theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. Forbidding Black people from using public spaces—restaurants, swimming pools, prime seats in public transportation, movie theatres, sports facilities (the late Harry Gairey Jr.’s ice-skating experience as a Toronto teenager in 1945, for example)—was a longstanding tactic designed to foster feelings of alienation from society.

We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component.” September 30th is the answer to this 80th call to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.