City of Brantford celebrates Black History Month – February 2021

BRANTFORD, ON – At their City Council meeting held last week, Brantford City Council officially declared February 2021 as Black History Month in the City of Brantford. Culturally diverse and composed of many ethnic communities, we are proud to join communities around the world in celebrating black history. People of African descent have been a fundamental part of Brantford’s history since at least 1858, and have greatly contributed to the cultural, economic, political and social development of the city of Brantford.

The commemoration of Black History Month dates back to 1926, when Harvard-educated African American historian Carter G. Woodson proposed setting aside a time devoted to honour the accomplishments of African Americans and to heighten awareness of Black history in the United States. This led to the establishment of Negro History Week in 1926. Celebrations of Black history began in Canada also shortly thereafter. During the early 1970s, the week became known as Black History Week. It was expanded into Black History Month in 1976. In December 1995, the House of Commons officially and unanimously recognized February as Black History Month in Canada following a motion introduced by the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine.

Throughout the month of February, the City will highlight black owned businesses and organizations in Brantford that make significant contributions to our local economy and diverse and inclusive culture. The campaign, will also focus on black history in Brantford dating back to 1784, when the City’s namesake Joseph Brant brought enslaved “Freedom Seekers” to the Grand River Valley from upper N.Y. State. Bunnell’s Landing in Brantford is one of the earliest known settlements of Freedom Seekers in Canada. 

“Black History Month is an opportunity for the City of Branford to recognize, with gratitude, the past and present contributions that African Canadians make to our quality of life”, said Brantford Mayor Kevin Davis. “People of African descent have been a fundamental part of Brantford’s rich history and have greatly contributed to the cultural, economic, political and social development of our city. Throughout February, I look forward to (virtually) interviewing a number of local African Canadians who make a difference in our community.” 

The City’s efforts coincide with the United Nations’ declaration of the International Decade for People of African Descent from 2015 – 2024. This International Decade encourages Canada and other countries to take action to protect and promote the human rights of people of African descent, and to recognize the invaluable contributions that people of African descent or origin have contributed to communities worldwide.

We encourage residents to follow #BlackLivesMatterBrantford as together with our community partners, we share important stories, history, and feature black-owned small businesses to recognize Black History Month in the City of Brantford.

Opportunities to get involved

Laurier celebrates Black History Month with education and engaging virtual public events
Black History in Canada
Ontario Black History Society
United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent – 2015-2024

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Media Contact: 

Maria Visocchi Director, Communications and Community Engagement
City of Brantford | Office: 519.759.4150 Ext. 5754 | mvisocchi@brantford.ca

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