Black History Month
February is Black History Month and Sports & Recreation will be honouring and celebrating the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities.
The origin of Black History Month dates back to 1926 when Carter G. Woodson, known as the "father of Black history", encouraged people of all backgrounds to discuss the Black experience. Woodson chose February because it coincided with the birth dates of social reformer Frederick Douglass, and former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln who played a significant role in ending slavery. In December 1995, the Canadian House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month. By the late 1960s, thanks to the civil rights movement and a growing awareness of Black identity, Black History Week was celebrated by mayors in cities across North America. Eventually, the week-long observance evolved into Black History Month.
Throughout this month, Sports & Recreation will be talking to our dedicated Black Mustangs student athletes, hearing their perspectives on what Black History Month (BHM) means to them, and the importance of BHM to our community.
To read more about events and programming happening at Western and in Sports & Recreation throughout Black History Month 2023, visit: Mustangs honour and celebrate Black History Month - Western Mustangs Sports.
Image Courtesy of Western Communications
