In 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month. The month invites us to honour the legacy of Black Canadians, past and present.

The Government of Canada announced the theme for 2021 as “The Future is Now,” calling it a chance to celebrate and acknowledge the transformative work that Black Canadians and their communities are doing now.

We also recognize, that for far too long, members of our Black communities have faced unjust discrimination, including systemic, insidious racism that pervades into the very core of our society. Black History Month is part of our discussions around inclusion that will continue throughout the year.

Over the course of this month, we’ll share stories of Black Canadians who have a connection to Metro Vancouver transit and have uniquely contributed to our communities.

We invite you to join us in recognizing the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians. To get started and for more information about Black History Month:

Information from the Government of Canada:

• Download the Black History Month poster
• About Black History Month
• Noteworthy historical figures
• Black history organizations and educational resources
• Legacies and institutions
• Historic Black Canadian communities

Learn about Hogan’s Alley, a Vancouver Black community that was demolished in the 1970s for the Georgia and Dunsmuir Viaducts:

• Secret Vancouver: Return to Hogan’s Alley
• Black Strathcona: Hogan’s Alley
• Vancouver Heritage Foundation’s Places That Matter: Hogan’s Alley
• CBC News: Hogan’s Alley — why a thriving Black community in Vancouver was demolished
• Global News: Uncovering the history of Black Vancouverites in Hogan’s Alley
• Breakfast Television: Historic Hogan’s Alley
• Daily Hive:This is the plan to rebuild Vancouver’s Hogan’s Alley for the Black community