An honest conversation: What you’re missing about Black History Month and its significance to the UTM community
An interview with UTM’s Black Students Association on Black students’ experiences during Black History Month, the values often overlooked, and how everyone can meaningfully celebrate Blackness.
Most students are aware that February is Black History Month (BHM) in Canada. However, not many understand what it reflects about society and its attitude and progress in human rights.
In an interview with The Medium, Political Director of Black Students’ Association (BSA) at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM), Chukwudum Anozie, discusses what BHM means to Black students at UTM and its significance to all students.
28 days of community celebration
Anozie shared that BHM serves as a specific time to celebrate Blackness. Black students who grew up in more ethnically diverse regions like Southern Ontario might have had many opportunities to celebrate their Blackness.
However, many Black students grew up in regions of North America that did not have as much appreciation for Blackness. Anozie said, “… a lot of them really want to go in on [BHM] and express themselves in a way that celebrates who we are.”
While Blackness is expressed year-round, BHM fosters a greater sense of community and encourages efforts to understand the Black experience.
A rainbow of emotions
When asked about common emotions that BHM elicits among Black students, Anozie answered, “There’s a funny one, stress.”
He explained that this is due to the many planning efforts dedicated to numerous events hosted by Black clubs. During this month, attention is directed towards these events as the number of participants peaks.
“During BHM, we have events every day at every corner of UTM. And it’s up to students to lead and run these events as they’re supposed to be done,” said Anozie. “People start preparing for Black History Month as early as September, and they just go hard in the paint for 28 days.”
The pressure is driven by students’ passion to provide the best experience for participants and to celebrate the Black community. With such dedication, it attracts students from all years and programs. Ultimately, it brings together a strong sense of warmth, excitement and connection.
Anozie shared that there is also a sense of confusion around BHM for students who come from places that are historically Black.
He recalled a conversation he had with a friend. “He said, ‘Being Black was something I never had to be, it’s something I was.’ My friend never needed an ASA (African Students’ Association) or a BSA, because most people [around them] were Black anyway.”
Anozie added that confusion also stems from the impression of BHM as an American tradition. “There are going to be students who are a little bit standoffish. It’s like, ‘I thought BHM is an American thing. Why does Canada need to copy when Canada’s race politics are different?’”
While Canada’s race politics might be similar to those of the US, fundamentally, Canada has its own culture, history and responsibilities to address.
“BHM elicits a mix of emotions. There’s a lot of dimensions, aspects and nuance to it.” Anozie stated, “But I would say it’s net positive. And there is an overwhelming sense of community.”
The overlooked significance of BHM in Canada
“The Black experience within Canada is often undermined because it’s ‘not as bad’ as the States,” said Anozie. He stated that many Canadians try to find their identity by comparing whether Canada and the US are the same.
“In reality, our politics aren’t the same. We’re just similar because we’re both in North America.”
In addition, much focus is put on current difficulty, while acknowledgement of important overcomings is overlooked. Anozie gave the example that many don’t know who is printed on the Canadian ten-dollar bill—Viola Desmond, a civil rights activist who challenged racial segregation.
“Historically speaking, there have been Black people everywhere. There’s a large discussion in terms of how Black liberation has always involved everyone else,” said Anozie.
He pointed out that the liberation of other groups rarely involved Black liberation. “Most people’s form of liberation has a very complicated relationship with their proximity to whiteness. Of which Black liberation does not have, or refuses to have, for multiple important reasons.”
This leads to a lack of understanding of the need to dedicate 28 days to Black people in North America, and the importance of expressing this honour.
“You can argue that every day is Black History Month, which, if you’re living the Black experience, it is.” Anozie said.“But there’s importance to these months and dedications because of the visibility and respect that previously did not exist.”
He added that BHM is significant in inspiring action that deepens understanding in people from all racial backgrounds.
“History’s important,” he emphasized. “You’re not going to understand all of Black History because it includes a large web. But you have to start somewhere.”
Your effort matters, whether you’re in the Black community or not
When asked about the best way that other students can support UTM’s Black community, Anozie answered with one word—read.
Reading provides informed insights. It acts as a foundational step in acknowledging that Black liberation has been a continuous fight throughout the years around the world. “Read and dive into Black history and Black experiences without trying to copy us or shut us down,” said Anozie.
“There is such a thing as having a better life than someone who is facing exploitation somewhere,” he said. “But there is no such thing as ‘racism does not exist’.”
“When it starts with, ‘Why [are we raising awareness]? Racism isn’t even that bad.’ Then it becomes a subtle breakdown of fundamental forms of respect and understanding.”
He shared that Black people are often taught the struggles of most communities around the globe. However, many others’ perception of liberation and activism excludes the Black experience and the impact of societal issues on Black communities.
Anozie suggested that dialogues are crucial in the progress of deconstructing unjust societal systems, ultimately leading to a reconstruction of a respectful world.
Be part of the “story” in BHM
Rather than focusing on the fascination of individual events, Anozie described events held for BHM as “one big story”. February serves as an opportunity for the Black community to connect and celebrate themselves through collective effort.
While many events are held for the Black community, Anozie hope to see more events focused on education for other students on Black history and culture.
“A lot of people like what Black people do, but they don’t like Black people,” he said. Education can deepen understanding and help cultivate true respect for Black communities.
Anozie expressed excitement for students to join various events for BHM. Aside from BSA, various organizations will host events that are free of charge. Activities will range from a fashion show to a live jazz night to a clay workshop, galas and student success panels, just to name a few.
Interested students can keep an eye out for updates and details through the Instagram pages of BSA (@utm.black), ASA (@utmasa_), Black Future Lawyers at UTM (@bflutm) and Black at UTM’s website.
