
Representatives of St. Clair College raised a flag on campus Monday morning to mark the beginning of Black History Month in Canada.
Members of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, chaired by Jimmy Parsons, were joined by St. Clair College President Michael Silvaggi, Student Representative Council President Rishi Vatish, and Zekelman School of Business Chair Angelo DeMarco for the occasion.
Throughout the month of February, people across Canada have the opportunity to reflect on the achievements, resilience and legacy of Black Canadians.
“St. Clair College is a place where everyone is welcome,” said President Silvaggi. “We strive to create and nurture an environment for students, faculty and staff that is not only diverse, but conscious of our different backgrounds and roots.”
“Raising this flag symbolizes our dedication to fostering the enduring spirit of Black Canadians who have, and who will continue to shape the world,” Silvaggi said.
Canada’s history is rich with contributions from Black Canadians dating back to the 1600s, but many of the stories which helped shape the fabric of modern-day society went untold.
“Few people in Canada are aware of the fact that African people were once enslaved in the territory that is now known as Canada, or of how those who fought enslavement helped to lay the foundation of Canada’s diverse and inclusive society,” reads an excerpt from the Government of Canada website.
In the late 1970s, a movement began in Toronto to recognize February as Black History Month.
In 1993, the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) successfully filed a petition in Ontario to proclaim February as Black History Month.
Two years later, in 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada.
“It is important that we recognize Black History Month and the significance that it holds in the Windsor, Essex, and Chatham-Kent regions,” said Jimmy Parsons, the chair of the School of Media, Art and Design at St. Clair College. “It is not just about the past, but also continues to shape the present and the future of our communities. I am honored to be the Chair of our EDI Committee and take part in the culture and diversity that St. Clair College has to offer.”
The College’s EDI Committee supports values of diversity, inclusivity, collaboration, integrity and respect to ensure the uniqueness of everyone is recognized, as well as providing a supportive environment for all members of the College community.
For information on racism and anti-Black racism, we encourage you to view the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion’s educational guide on racism and anti-Black racism. This guide contains a broad range of resources for individuals and organizations to learn about racism and how we can build anti-racist workplaces and communities.
Learn more about Black history in Canada from the Government of Canada.