Black History Month 2026

Written By Thamer Linklater

This year has already felt so long… and it’s only February. 

There is so much going on in the world it’s exhausting. Still, it is incredibly important that we show up as allies. In fact, it is even more crucial that we show up now, when our peers, friends, and families are being targeted. 

Being an ally means being informed about current events, aware of the history of oppression, using our privilege to stand up for our peers, and being a friend to targeted communities. There are many ways to stand in solidarity. Here in Canada we can donate to organizations and individuals in need, sign petitions, watch the news, and share posts talking about what is happening. Remember to do as much as you feel able to, without exhausting yourself. We cannot help others if we are also drowning. 

This may feel like an abrupt change of topics, but I promise you it isn’t. 

February is Black History Month, first celebrated in Canada in 1996. There is very little discussion of the history of Black people in Canada. It may surprise you to learn that Canada did participate in the slave trade. People immigrating to Canada from overseas and the United States brought slaves with them. In later years, Black people escaped to Canada via the Underground railroad. Since then, many Africans and African Americans have immigrated to Canada and continue to do so.

This is an extremely brief introduction to the history of Black people in Canada. If you would like to read more I have included links below. On my Instagram I will be sharing stories of prominent Black figures in history. I hope you take the time to learn and reflect. 

Thamer Linklater
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New Year, New Organizational Standards