2024 Black History Month At NEW

February has long stood as the celebration of #BlackHistory to honor the resilience, achievements, and contributions of the Black community in Canada. Throughout history, Black Canadians and their communities have contributed to shaping Canada’s heritage and continued progress in tremendous ways. From civil rights leaders to policymakers, scientists, artists, and entrepreneurs, we honor changemakers who have broken barriers, challenged injustices, and paved the way for future generations.

Over the years, Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto (NEW) participated in Black History Month by showcasing the achievements of trailblazing Black women across Canada and the world. Hon Dr. Jean Augustine was the first Black woman to be elected to Canada’s House of Commons, where she successfully advocated to acknowledge February as Black History Month in 1993. Claudette McGowan, the Chief Executive Officer for Protexxa, a Canadian-based cybersecurity software and services company, is another remarkable Black Canadian technological leader who continues to trailblaze leading digital transformations, optimizing infrastructure, and designing new approaches that improve service experiences. Their stories serve as a reminder that with courage, perseverance, and determination, anything is possible.

The theme for this year's #BlackHistoryMonth is "Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build." In light of this, NEW will be honoring the significance and remarkable contributions of its Black employees.. Diversity is not just a buzzword for us – it is the foundation of our thriving organization. We are proud to foster an inclusive environment where diverse voices, perspectives, and talents are not only welcomed but celebrated. We are excited to showcase the brilliance of these employees who are driving impactful change at NEW. From innovative thinkers and exceptional leaders to dedicated team members, each of their stories embodies excellence, determination, and success.

Organizations and educational resources on the history of Black communities in Canada.

There are many organizations and educational resources across the country devoted to the promotion and awareness of the history of Black communities in Canada. Below you can find some organizations and insightful resources.

Canada: Black History Month

Black History in Canada: Education Guide

Historical Black Canadians Who’ve Shaped Canadian Heritage and Identity

Support Black-led Organizations

Join us as we shine a light on the incredible talents, passions, and stories within our team that drive our collective success!

Kinjal Desai