Government of Canada celebrates 2025 Black History Month
Wednesday 5 February 2025
By Ijeoma Ukazu, Editorial Associate
On a freezing Wednesday evening, February 5th, the warmth inside the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau contrasted sharply with the biting winter air outside. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stood before an engaged audience, his voice steady and resolute as he addressed the importance of Black History Month in Canada. In attendance were community leaders, activists, and citizens who listened intently as he began his remarks.
“Black History Month is not just about remembering the past—it’s about shaping the future,” Trudeau declared. “We must recognize that the struggles and contributions of Black Canadians are woven into the fabric of our country. From historical injustices to the modern challenges of systemic racism, our work is far from over.”
The Prime Minister spoke about the persistent discrimination Black Canadians have faced, both historically and in present times. He acknowledged the painful past, including government policies that discouraged Black immigration and economic opportunities.
“For too long, Black Canadians were systematically excluded from opportunities that should have been available to everyone,” he said solemnly. “We have a responsibility—not just as a government, but as a nation—to address these wrongs and build a future where everyone can thrive.”
Trudeau then highlighted the government’s ongoing commitment to racial justice, particularly the development of Canada’s first-ever Black Justice Strategy. “This strategy will combat discrimination in our institutions and push forward necessary reforms,” he explained. “It is not just about acknowledgment—it is about action. We are committed to ensuring that Black Canadians are not only seen and heard but that their rights and freedoms are fully protected.”
The Prime Minister emphasized the economic benefits of inclusivity, particularly the success of Black-owned businesses and their contributions to Canada’s prosperity. “When Black businesses thrive, Canada thrives,” he said. “Ensuring equal opportunities for entrepreneurs and professionals in the Black community strengthens our economy and enriches our society. We must stand together in fighting for diversity and inclusion every day.”
As the crowd nodded in agreement, Trudeau closed his speech with a message of hope and determination. “We will continue raising each other up, remembering the value of diversity, and fighting to build a Canada where everyone—regardless of race—has a fair chance to succeed.”
Earlier, Honourable Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities, took the stage to highlight specific government actions aimed at supporting Black Canadians.
Khera detailed the significant financial commitments made by the federal government to address systemic racism and promote Black-led initiatives.
“Through over $230 million in investments, we are supporting Black leadership and community initiatives across the country,” she stated. “This includes the establishment of Canada’s first National Institute for Black Canadians, a historic step forward in ensuring that Black voices are central in shaping policies that affect their communities.”
The minister underscored the importance of Black-led, Black-made solutions, emphasizing that empowering communities to lead their own initiatives results in more effective and sustainable change. “This is about more than government action—it’s about supporting Black Canadians in leading the way for their own communities. We are investing in solutions that are built by and for Black Canadians,” she said.
Khera also warned against the risks posed by opposition to progressive policies, cautioning that inclusivity and equality must be continuously defended. “We cannot take progress for granted. There are those who want to divide us and undo our progress in inclusion and equity. We must remain vigilant and continue pushing forward.”
She reiterated Canada’s commitment to fighting anti-Black racism, citing the country’s leadership in recognizing the UN’s anti-racism resolution in 2018. “Canada was the first Western nation to take this step, and we must continue leading by example,” she said.
During her address, Arielle Kayabaga, Member of Parliament for London West, Ontario, expressed gratitude to the prime minister for his dedicated services and initiatives promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. She emphasized the importance of not going back and building a better future together as a community, even as she reflected on the prime minister’s decision to stay for Black racism and the legacy he leaves behind.
In an interview with Nadine Williams, a poet, author, and arts educator, discussed her exhibition “The Fabric of Our Being,” which celebrates the International Decade for People of African Descent. The exhibit included her 2017–2019 and 2025 posters, with the latter honouring trail-blazing Black Canadian politician, Dr. Jean Augustine, and iconic South African liberation activist, late Nelson Mandela. She emphasized the importance of perseverance, focus, and diversification for young artists and encouraged aspiring artists to believe in themselves and stay resilient through the highs and lows of their careers.
The highlight of the event saw outstanding performances from Kevin Acquah, Sugacayne, Congolese choir group, and Pan Fantasy steel band group. The group has a goal to engage youth and instill leadership skills through the performing arts.
Statement by the Prime Minister on Black History Month
February 1, 2025, Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Black History Month:
“Today marks the beginning of Black History Month – an opportunity to honour the culture, resilience, and achievements of Black Canadians.
“In communities across Canada, Black leaders, scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, and activists have shaped our country’s history and continue to inspire its future. From the Underground Railroad, which brought freedom seekers to Canada, to trailblazers like Jean Augustine and Lincoln Alexander, Black Canadians have led the way in the fight for justice, innovation, and progress.
“This year’s theme, ‘Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations’, reminds us that the stories of Black Canadians keep being written every day. The advocate pushing for racial equity, the entrepreneur building a thriving business, the artist using their voice to drive change – these contributions continue to shape Canada for the better.
“Black Canadians have faced – and continue to face – too many barriers. That is why, last year, the Government of Canada extended its efforts under the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent until 2028 and welcomed the adoption of a second International Decade, which spans from January 2025 to December 2034. This extension allows us to further invest in Black-led programs, advance racial justice, and create opportunities for Black Canadians.
“To date, we have committed over one billion dollars to Black-focused initiatives, including the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative, which has supported over 2,700 projects to grow Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving charities and non-profit organizations. We developed Canada’s Black Justice Strategy to address systemic barriers and injustices by ending the overrepresentation of Black communities in the justice system. Through the Mental Health of Black Canadians Fund, we are supporting Black Canadians to develop more culturally focused knowledge, capacity, and programs to improve mental health in their communities. And through the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund and the Black Entrepreneurship Program, we are helping improve the social and economic outcomes of Black communities and helping Black-owned businesses grow and succeed now and into the future.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I encourage everyone to learn more about Black Canadian history and reflect on the challenges and accomplishments of Black Canadians. Let us recommit to building a country where every Canadian can succeed and have their voices heard.”