The Black Story of History
February 24, 2025
Written by UNICEF Canada Youth Advocate Blanche Monabeka.
“Why should we talk about Black history?”
A fifth grader asked me this question, and I admit I was stunned, but excited to answer. At first, I thought the answer would be obvious to anyone. But after some reflection, I realized that it wasn’t so Black or White.
I thought about what I have heard before from people, that we have a day for everything and everyone, and that we are simply a part of the human race, and don’t need a day, a month, or a decade to remind us of a particular race.
Others focus simply on being ‘woke’ rather than seeking to understand, which makes it harder to grasp the true significance of celebrating such a legacy.
Though uncomfortable, both sentiments reflect the tense climate we currently live in, with people having beliefs and opinions on opposing extremes.
Black history is an important part of the mosaic of the Canada we know today. The thing is, if we leave a gap in the story, it leaves a gap in the truth. The truth is, Black people, whether enslaved, free, unintentional settlers, or new to the country, have played a role in shaping the story of a nation. This nation. Our imperfect, constantly changing nation.
So, what did I tell that fifth grader?
History is important, no matter the group, ethnicity, culture, or in this case the race. History tells a story, and it is like taking different fragments of art and discovering the beautiful mosaic that it creates. Not a perfect puzzle, but instead placing broken, beautiful, bold pieces together. An art form not often celebrated, but one that is recognizable from a distance and memorable for a lifetime.
Why should you talk about Black history? It adds to the truth of our story, the good, the bad, and yes, even the ugly, all pieced together to form a mosaic that has yet to be completed. If we want to seek the truth, then we need to take the time to learn this story. The Black story of history.
The 2024 Reimagine Playbook, written by my fellow UNICEF Canada Youth Advocates, reminds us that by learning about racial histories, advocating for change and fostering understanding in our local communities, we can create a more equitable society.
I couldn’t agree more. Let’s keep learning, speaking up, and creating change.
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