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Celebrating Black Canadians

February is Black History Month and we are celebrating Black Canadians. This includes honouring Black culture and accomplishments, both past and present!

If you're seeking out stories and work from Black media professionals, give The Canadian Association of Black Journalists (@CABJMedia) a follow. They exist to give rise to Black journalists in Canada!

In Jan 2021, 5 musicians were recognized at the inaugural SiriusXM Black Canadian Music Awards.

If you're in or around the GTA, here's a list of 100 Black-owned businesses to explore, including restaurants and retail spaces in BlogTO.com.

@ellecanada highlighted 40 Black Canadian women and non-binary people of the past & present, who are notable in the realms of fashion, athletics, culture, & politics. Read Inspirational Black Canadians To Know.

Did you know that Toronto reporter Brandon Gonez is launching a YouTube show? This Brampton-raised Jamaican-Canadian journalist has big things coming!

Last February, @ComfyGirlCurls, a Natural Hair & Lifestyle Blogger, created a list of 30 Black Canadian content creators to follow. A year later, we're still loving it!

@AkilahNewtonANP is an activist and author who educates young Canadians on Black history with her children's book. Read more at CTVNews.ca.

Looking to celebrate Black History Month in your own (virtual) office? Check out these five suggestions for remote teams at hcamag.com.

Want to add the work of celebrated Black writers to your bookshelf? Here are 5 Canadian authors you should be reading!

Check out Nia Centre for the Arts. This Toronto-based organization is dedicated to building Canada's first professional arts center for art from the African diaspora.

Make sure you check out @amanda_parris! Not only is she a Canadian born TV & Radio host, she is also a writer! You can catch her shows @CBCMarvinsRoom or @CBCArts or check out her latest work "Other Side Of The Game"! What a brilliant Black Canadian woman!

Have you heard of Buxton, Ontario? Buxton was a safe space for enslaved Black people to find freedom. Located in Chatham-Kent, it's the second largest national historic site! Check out Buxton Museum.

Robert Sutherland came to Canada from Jamaica in 1849 to study at Queens University; he was the first graduate of colour and Black lawyer. When he died he left his money to Queens U. It wasn't until 2009, 131 years after his death, that they renamed a building in his honour.

Africville was a small community in Halifax, NS of mostly Black settlers for over 150 years, dating back to 1848. The history of Africville is rich and its demise was tragic.

Josiah Henson settled in the Dresden, ON area. Josiah founded a Dawn Settlement & labourer's school for Black folks who escaped enslavement, and was the first Black person on a stamp!

@iamdogibson is a Canadian born rapper & author who is passionate about sharing Black Canadian history & educating others! D.O recently started a Black Canadian merch line, Black Canadian 365, and other awesome things!

Arielle Kayabaga is London, ON's Ward 13 Councillor and made history as the first Black woman elected to city council! @KayabagaArielle is a force in the Forest City and is passionate about creating an anti-racist community.

Maesha Breuggergosman is one of Canada's most loved sopranos! Her creative talents don't stop at singing; she has a clothing line, has been on TV and also teaches vocals! Check out Measha.com and see what else this Black Canadian beauty is doing!

Obsidian Theatre is a renowned Black theatre company in Toronto! @obsidiantheatre is a place where Black artists learn and grow: their mission is to produce plays, develop playwrights, and train professionals.

Have you heard of Elladj Balde? He's a Black Montreal-raised figure skater who is aiming to modernize and diversify the sport. Follow this viral legend on TikTok so that you never miss his videos.

Did you know there are 5 #BLM chapters in Canada? Follow the movement at blacklivesmatter.ca.

Can you name who is on the $10 dollar bill? If you guessed Viola Desmond, you're right! Viola Desmond was pivotal in helping to challenge segregation in Nova Scotia. Learn more about Viola Desmond.

The Federation of Black Canadians is a national, non-profit organization, driven by organizations across the country that advances the social, economic, political and cultural interests of Canadians of African descent.

Download this Black Canadian calendar, which was designed to celebrate and acknowledge a few of the contributions and impact Black Canadians have had in shaping Canada.

Here is a list of 10 organizations that empower Black-Canadian communities.

Looking to learn more about the realities of Black communities in Canada? Check out this collection of films by distinguished Black filmmakers, creators, and allies.

As #BHM comes to a close, we encourage you to continue learning about and celebrating Black culture and communities beyond the month of February.