With Black History Month fully upon us, we are once again reminded of this fundamental part of the Canadian narrative. Observed officially each year in Canada, the U.S., and U.K., Black History Month, can be a time of many emotions including: sorrow for time lost, admiration at the courage and strength of social justice leaders, and pride for struggles won.

What began in 1926 by African American history professor Carter G. Woodson as a week-long ceremony to honour the history of Black Americans, has since grown into a month long observance. If this is any indication, we as a society are headed in the right direction.