Alex Clarke
The Journal - The Student Newspaper of St. Mary's University, Halifax, Nova Scotia
February is the month of love. Romance is in the air and couples all over are planning how to celebrate the upcoming weekend. However, students also must remember that February is the month of celebration of Black History for Canada and the United States. The remembrance was founded in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson and was chosen in February because it marked the birthdays of two people who greatly influenced the lives and social conditions of African American: former slave and abolitionist Fredrick Douglas and former President Abraham Lincoln.
African-Canadians have contributed to all areas, enriching the Canadian educational, political, business, religious, and cultural landscapes. Early contributors worked within the Black community, without much public recognition. Sometimes, a Black person would gain high office due to their skill, experience, wealth, or commitment that made their race less of an issue. Later, as more opportunities were fought for, or opened up, more African-Canadians could enter a wider range of public positions.
Those who went where no other African-Canadian have paved the road for the present. As co-workers, colleagues, and the broader community interacted with the new "coloured" person, the process allowed them to face head-on their own preconceived notions based on race and possibly replace them with realistic knowledge about the individual's ability, interests, and strengths.
African-Canadians were at the forefront of the anti-slavery movement in the 1800s and were equally involved in human rights struggles in the 1960s and 1970s. Following the Black Power movement and the many incidents of violence directed at the African-American community through church bombings, and violent reactions to non-violent protests, African-Canadians were also compelled to look critically at this society and to seek justice. Canadian segregation was addressed, and dealt a severe blow through the Viola Desmond incident, but more work had to take place across the country to loosen the hold of negative laws, behaviors, and practices. Those who worked to create change and who have taken a risk on behalf of the rights of others have helped to recast Canadian society.
One fact we can recall is that the first African arrival took place over 400 years ago with interpreter Mathieu da Costa. Since that time, Black people have been constantly coming into Canada helping to build it. Many people perceive that Black people have not "paid their dues," have not served in any military defense of Canada, that Black people are not pulling their weight or taking the level of responsibility that they should as good citizens of Canada.
However, the reality is that African-Canadians have volunteered in every case for active duty, and persisted even when they were not wanted. In order to help defend Canada, separate Black units were created, the first one, on the initiative of African-Canadian Richard Pierpoint. Black people have consistently defended the interests of Canada, or the British controlled territory of Canada from the time of the American Revolutionary War through to the Mackenzie Rebellions and the present.
Whether they were born in Canada, or newcomers supporting the direction that Canada was taking, African-Canadians have been ongoing defenders of this nation, allowing us all to experience the freedoms that we have today.
It is obvious that such a month still sparks a controversy and annual debate about the continued fairness of forcing a month dedicated to the history of one race. Many still wonder if it is still relevant. However, the reason Black History month must still be a subject of study is because of the impact it has had on all races not just blacks. Due to this argument, the Journal decided to sit down with the Saint Mary’s University Black Student Advisor, Avrian Dolcy, to discuss the role of black students in the student body.
The role of the black student advisor is to provide education, support and referrals to students of all races. Students who need help in dealing with course information, student services financial aid, program tutorials and job opportunities can set appointments and meet to resolve all issues. The Advisor helps to resolve any concerns insuring that a permanent relationship exists between the governing body of Saint Mary’s University, and the resources that are available to Black students. Avrian explained to me that Black History month is very important to him and the advisory centre. He is using this opportunity to show students that it is a hub that can provide multiple resources for all students.
The centre is currently putting together a Black Student Database to distribute information concerning scholarships, job opportunities and other areas pertaining to black students. The Black Student Advisor centre will also be presenting an information table in the student centre on Wednesday giving away prizes and offering refreshments. One of the most anticipating events to look out for this month will be the filming of Amistad through the Saint Mary’s University Film Society next week Thursday. If you are interested in attending the film then you can sign up to be on the mailing list this Wednesday (today) in the student centre at the information table.
