Mayor Ted Walker proclaims February 1-28, 2026 as Black History Month in Tay Township

PROCLAMATION

To designate February 1 to 28, 2026

as

Black History Month

WHEREAS the celebration of Black History Month originates from the U.S. Professor Carter G. Woodson’s 1926 declaration of Negro History Week, a week in February which marked the birthdates of civil rights activists Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln; and

WHEREAS in 1976, the Toronto City Council declared February as Black History Month. National recognition occurred on December 14, 1995 when the House of Commons unanimously agreed to a motion presented by the Honourable Jean Augustine to recognize February as Black History Month; and

WHEREAS Black History Month sought to level the imbalance in historical perspective and has become an important part of multicultural and antiracism programs; and

WHEREAS Black History Month in Canada is essential since it educates Canadians. Few Canadians know that slavery once existed in Canada, or that many of the British Loyalists who came here after the American Revolution were Black. Black History Month recognizes the important sacrifices and contributions of Black people to the development of Canada and the world. Racial discrimination and intolerance is on the rise, it is time for good people to help raise awareness and show their support of the fight against racial discrimination; and

WHEREAS, this year's Department of Canadian Heritage theme, “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries", celebrates three decades of Black History Month in Canada and recognizes the enduring legacy of Black Canadians, whose leadership, creativity, innovation and resilience have shaped our past, continue to influence our present, and will inspire future generations; and

THEREFORE I Mayor Ted Walker, on behalf of Tay Township, do hereby proclaim the month of February 2026, as “Black History Month” in our community, and encourage all citizens to participate in educational activities related to and honour the significant role that Black people, both past and present, have played in shaping Tay Township and its values. 

Mayor Ted Walker