With the conclusion of Black History Month and Women’s History Month, this is a great opportunity to highlight the achievements, contributions and the work of Black Canadian women throughout history. These individuals continue to be part of the quest of achieving a more equal society, not only among races, but among genders as well.
Their legacy whether it’s historical or current is part of many sectors of society and continues to inspire Black women, women of colour, non-Black women and people in general to work hard, develop their potential and achieve greatness in all its forms.
Viola Desmond
Jean Augustine sees future in the past Former MP Jean Augustine, who was instrumental in getting February recognized as Black History Month nationally 25 years ago. Photo by Michael Swan February 5, 2021
At this pivotal moment in the conversation around anti-Black racism in North America and beyond, Jean Augustine is reminded of the Sankofa a bird associated with a west African proverb used to express the importance of reaching back for knowledge gained from the past.
“Whenever you see the Sankofa it’s with its head looking back, then forward to position,” said Augustine. “I use that analogy because I think in order for us to go forward into the future, like the Sankofa, we have to know the past, take information from the past and bring it to the present. That is what I’m hoping Black History Month would be, could be or should be.”