Black History Month is more than just a reflection on the past—it’s about the future we are building for our children.
As a Black mom, I feel the weight and impacts of history - colonization and enslavement - on my shoulders every day. I see it in the way I guide my children through the world—teaching them to be proud of who they are while preparing them for the realities of systemic racism. I see it in the healing I must do as a parent to unlearn white supremacy, patriarchy, and capitalism so I can build stronger relationships with my kids. It’s in the advocacy work of pushing back against systems that exploit us and fail to recognize our humanity. And it’s in the journey of learning, reclaiming, and celebrating our culture and identity, ensuring that my children know their roots and see their worth reflected in the world around them.
But more than that, I see history as a foundation—a source of strength and wisdom that reminds us of the resilience of our ancestors and fuels our determination to create a better future for our children.
Black people have been part of Canada’s story for over 400 years. From the first recorded Black person, Mathieu Da Costa, to the freedom seekers of the Underground Railroad, to trailblazers like Viola Desmond and Mary Ann Shadd. Our history is rich with stories of courage, resistance, and excellence. Throughout history, Black communities in Canada have navigated immense challenges from the inhumanity of slavery to the legalized segregation that followed, and the deep-rooted disparities that persist in the criminal justice system today. These systemic barriers have sought to limit us, yet our collective strength and unwavering resilience have always pushed us forward.
Our story is also one of community, strength, and collective power. Throughout history, Black communities have built spaces of refuge, learning, and resistance, knowing that survival is not just about the individual but about lifting each other up. Black churches served as hubs for civil rights activism, social organizations provided safety and essential resources, and grassroots movements pushed forward despite immense challenges. Whether it was pooling resources to support one another, creating cultural and educational institutions, or mobilizing against injustice, our power has always come from unity.
That same spirit of solidarity can fuel all of us today. We need to recognize that when we come together as mothers and caregivers, learning from the resilience of Black communities, we can become stronger, more powerful, and unstoppable in our pursuit of justice and equity. The wisdom of Black history teaches us that real change happens when we stand together united in the fight against racism. Today, we must do this across racial and cultural lines. Our children inherit not only the struggles of our past but also the deep sense of belonging and empowerment that grows from community. It is our collective responsibility to nurture this legacy, ensuring that all children, and especially Black children, grow up feeling valued, supported, and confident in their identities.
This history isn’t just something we read about - it lives in us, shaping how we mother, how we teach, and how we build community. As Black moms, we carry the strength, lessons, and resilience of those who came before us, ensuring that our kids grow up knowing their worth, their history, and their right to exist fully and freely. And though, this wisdom extends beyond us as it offers a guide for all moms, reminding us that parenting is an act of resistance and love. It calls on all of us to be intentional in how we raise our children, to build bridges across differences, and to work together to create a world where every child experiences true belonging, dignity, and joy. When we root our parenting in solidarity and justice, we move toward a future where all children can thrive.
At Moms Against Racism (MAR), we know that the fight against racism begins at home, in our communities, and in how we raise the next generation. As mothers and caregivers, we are uniquely positioned to disrupt the cycles of discrimination and inequity that have persisted for centuries. Black children deserve to grow up in a world that sees them fully, embraces their identities, and ensures their safety, dignity, and joy. But this work is not just for Black moms... it is for everyone.
We invite all mothers to stand with us, to listen, learn, and act. Raising anti-racist children is not an individual effort, it is a collective responsibility. When we come together, drawing strength from the wisdom and resilience of Black communities, we can create real change. By nurturing spaces for learning, healing, and advocacy, MAR is committed to equipping families with the tools to challenge racism, champion equity, and build a more just future.
Imagine a world where every child grows up free from fear, confident in their identity, and surrounded by a community that uplifts and protects them. This vision is possible, but it requires action. It requires us to be intentional in how we educate our children, in how we show up in our communities, and in how we challenge unjust systems.
We do this work because we believe in a future where Black history is not just acknowledged once a year but is woven into the very fabric of our society - recognized, celebrated, and upheld. We do this work because we refuse to let our children inherit a world that continues to harm them. And we do this work because when we come together, we are unstoppable.
This Black History Month, let’s do more than reflect. Let’s commit to action. Educate yourself and your children on the true history of Black Canadians. Support Black-led organizations and businesses. Speak out against racism when you see it. Engage in conversations that challenge biases, and encourage others to do the same.
We are building a movement, and we need you with us. Let’s raise a generation that not only dreams of a better world but actively creates it. Because Black history isn’t just history, it’s now.
And the future is ours to shape.
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