Black History should be recognized 365 days a year and not limited to a single month.
Black History acknowledgement is also a time for all people in Canada to reflect and educate ourselves on the history of Black enslavement and the ongoing discrimination and criminalization of people of African descent, and to remember that anti-Black racism still exists.
Every year CUPE honours a Black ancestor, or someone who is making history today. This year we’re honouring Marjorie Villefranche, Executive Director of Maison d’Haïti in Montreal.
Marjorie has spent more than 40 years empowering immigrants to fully participate in their community. She has made her mark as a feminist, anti-racist activist fighting discrimination and all forms of exclusion.
Canadian society has seen progress over the decades, but people of African descent in Canada still experience differential treatment. Black, racialized and Indigenous community members are far more likely to be the hardest hit by the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic deprivation. This, combined with the ongoing crisis of over-policing, has shone a spotlight on how much remains to be done.
CUPE’s Anti-Racism Strategy identifies actions to challenge systemic racism in our workplaces, union and communities. It acknowledges that our union and locals must work towards meaningful change for Black, Indigenous and racialized members, including those with intersecting identities.
Our union is committed to fighting racism and hatred in all forms. We encourage members not to be neutral when witnessing racism in any form. Instead, commit to not looking the other way and stand up for what is right.
For resources that can help increase awareness, understand and create change, head to: cupe.ca/black-history-month