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What is Legacies?
Legacies exists because Black History is Canadian History.
Legacies is a celebration of Black History and Canadian talent; it is a showcase of the rich and diverse art forms that have been influenced by the Black community, from traditional to the contemporary.
Legacies exists to fill a need; the need for an event that unites people from all races to come together and celebrate contributions that are often forgotten. Though various Black History Month events occur in our city, none are as all-encompassing, as sociable or as inclusive as Legacies.
Why does Legacies exist?
Because Black History is Canadian History.
The goal of Legacies is to celebrate the fluidity of a history that has and continues to influence music, politics, art, education, dance, religion, sport, and so much more.
Legacies is an acknowledgement of all Black History, from Caribbean and African countries to Black History in the United States and Canada; it's an affirmation that each of these cultures are distinct and have all played important roles in the founding of our nation.
Is Legacies only for black people?
No.
There are many non-black people affiliated with Legacies; from organization, to performance and attendance, Legacies is an all-inclusive event that provides access to art forms that some people may not otherwise be exposed to.
As an increasingly diverse nation, we as Canadians pride ourselves on the knowledge that we are more 'mosaic' than 'melting pot.' As such, Legacies, and Collectively Eclectic is a working collaboration of cultures and ethnicities, each weaving their own stories and customs into the diverse fabric of Canada.
A Black History Month Celebration
back.jpg "Legacies:the battle - a black history month celebration flyer back")
Black History Month
In an attempt to encourage awareness and understanding of the African-American experience, historian and scholar Carter G. Woodson proposed an observance that would celebrate the contributions of Black Americans. In 1926 his efforts led to the creation of "Negro History Week," a week set aside in February to commemorate the achievement of Black Americans. It is rumoured that the month of February was chosen because the birthdays of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and former US President Abraham Lincoln fall in this month.
The movement was an immediate success and became known as "Black History Week" during early 1970's. By 1976, with the rise of the Black Power Movement it was expanded to a month-long celebration called Black History Month.
Black History Month in Canada
The celebration of Black History during the month of February was officially recognized by the Parliament of Canada in December 1995. It came following a unanimously carried motion introduced by the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the Hounourable Jean Augustine, M.P. of Etobicoke-Lakeshore.
Why a Black History Month?
African Canadian students need to feel affirmed; need to be aware of the contributions made by other Blacks in Canada; need to have role models; need to understand the social forces which have shaped and influenced their community and their identities as a means of feeling connected to the educational experience and their life experience in various regions in Canada. They need to feel empowered. The greater Canadian community needs to know a history of Canada that includes all of the founding and pioneering experiences in order to work from reality, rather than perception alone.
As a people, with roots dating back to 1603, African-Canadians have defended, cleared, built and farmed this country; our presence is well established, but not well-known. The celebration of Black History Month is an attempt to have the achievements of Black people recognized and told.
We need a Black History Month in order to help us to arrive at an understanding of ourselves as Canadians in the most accurate and complete socio-historical context that we can produce. As a nation with such diversity, all histories need to be known, all voices need to be expressed. Black history provides the binary opposite to all traditional histories. One needs traditional history to engender a common culture; one needs Black history to engender a clearer and more complete culture.
When the contributions of people of African descent are acknowledged, when the achievements of Black people are known, when Black people are routinely included or affirmed through our curriculum, our books and the media, and treated with equality, then there will no longer be a need for Black History Month.