CUASA Statement on Black History Month

February 1, 2023

CUASA Statement on Black History Month

Today is the first day of Black History Month. In an ongoing climate of anti-Black racism, misogynoir (the compounded combination of misogyny and anti-Black racism), and transmisogynoir (misogynoir directed toward Black trans women and femmes), we reaffirm the need to celebrate the lives and legacy of African, Caribbean, and Black Canadians from all identities and walks of life. We urge everyone to commit to learning more about Black history and to take anti-racist action in your own communities.

Some ways to get involved could be to cite Black scholars in your research, show up and support your Black colleagues and community members, advocate for more Black representation within your units and the university at large, support Black-owned businesses, and educate yourself and others about Black history.

Here are just a few resources to get you started on your Black history journey:

• Celebrating Black History Month at Carleton: https://newsroom.carleton.ca/black-history-month/
• Black Canadian Labour History: https://psacunion.ca/moments-canadian-history-black-labour
• Queering Black History Month: https://www.queerevents.ca/queer-history/queering-black-history-month
• Government of Canada Black History Month Resources: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/black-history-month.html
• Black History Ottawa: https://www.blackhistoryottawa.org/
• What You Can Do to Support Black History Month as an Ally: https://ywcavan.org/blog/2023/01/what-you-can-do-celebrate-black-history-month-ally
• The Trauma of Legitimacy: Black Scholars and Memory in the Age of Black Studies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrBQWmoOMaM