From the arrival of Mathieu Da Costa, a navigator and interpreter in the 1600s, to today, Black Canadians have had a marked impact and influence on our country’s heritage and identity. Black History Month gives all Canadians the opportunity to learn about and celebrate the many accomplishments and contributions that Black Canadians have made and continue to make on our country’s history and cultural landscape, including in medicine.

It is also a time to identify and work to break down the many barriers Black Canadians face. Access to health services, health outcomes, and medical experiences are different for BIPOC (Black Indigenous and Persons of Colour). Doctors Manitoba joins Shared Health in committing to disrupt racism for patients and professionals in the health-care system.

Last year we celebrated Black History Month with stories about two of Manitoba’s Black physicians including trailblazer Dr. June James and rural IMG Dr. Chukwuma Abara. Stay tuned for this year’s feature stories highlighting Black physicians. 

On February 13, 2008, the Honourable Donald H. Oliver (Canada’s first Black Senator) introduced the Motion to Recognize Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month, which was unanimously passed. The motion highlighted some of the many accomplishments of Black Canadians, including Anderson Ruffin Abbott, Canada’s first Black medical doctor from the 1860s to early 1900s.

Join us this month in exploring the following events, resources, and websites to learn more and celebrate Black History in Canada.

• Black History Manitoba has a calendar of events you can attend that will help you learn more and celebrate Black History Month.

• Shared Health has curated stories of Black voices in health care, resources and short bios on some important and influential Black Manitobans.
  

• The Government of Manitoba has created Diversity Education: Black History and Anti-Racism in Canada for the K‑12 Curriculum.

• The Manitoba Museum is offering two free Black History in Canada virtual field trip sessions on Wednesday February 8 and Wednesday February 22.

• Black History Manitoba is hosting a movie night at the Vincent Massey Collegiate at 975 Dowker Ave.. | February 10 at 6 p.m

• Black History Month partners with the Jamaican Association of Manitoba to host a drive-through luncheon. Tickets are $15 for the event at 1098 Winnipeg Ave. | February 12 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m

• The Jamaican Cultural Centre (1098 Winnipeg Ave) will host a history lesson. Participation in the event is free. | February 20 at 10:30 am

• Black History Manitoba presents a gospel concert for Black History Month, the Heart, Spirit and Soul Concert. New Beginnings Church at 1073 St. Mary’s Rd. will host the event. Admission is free. | March 4 at 6:30 p.m

• Chamber Orchestra Music honors composers of African descent with an upcoming concert, ​“Shall We Gather”, at Bethel Mennonite Church. The program includes works by composers from Ghana, the United States, Cuba, Jamaica and the United Kingdom. Tickets range from $15 to $30 and can be purchased at the door or via email chamorchwb@​gmail.​com. | February 26 at 3 p.m

• The banquet and closing ceremony for Black History Month will take place at the Winnipeg Art Gallery on Saturday, February 25 at 7pm. Tickets are $50
  

CBC Gem has 9 documentaries that celebrate Black culture and history:

• Right to Offend: The Black Comedy Revolution
  

• Blind Ambition
  

• Muhammad Ali
  

• Maya Angelou: And Still I Rise
  

• Enslaved
  

• Dreamland: The Burning of Black Wall Street
  

• I Am Not Your Negro
  

• How It Feels to be Free
  

• Black Boys
  

CBC Gem plans release its eight-part series Black Life: A Canadian History