Black History Month 2022: Celebrating Black History Today and Every Day

February 1^st, 2022 - Defence Stories

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Black History Month 2022
#BHM2022

We are honoured to recognize this year’s Black History Month. Each February, people in Canada celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous nation it is today. As a Defence Team, we are also encouraged to celebrate and learn more about the important contributions, both historical and present, of Black Defence Team members.

Black sailors, soldiers, aviators and civilian employees contribute every day to the capacity of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) in invaluable ways. A key tenet from Canada’s Defence Policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, is that the success of Canada’s defence depends on our people. From domestic to global conflicts, Black members and employees have brought unique perspectives and lived experiences to critical operations. Those perspectives are invaluable and Black History Month is our opportunity to highlight and celebrate the vast contributions of Black Defence Team members while also taking the time to listen and learn.

Given this year’s theme is February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day, we invite everyone to learn more about Black history in Canada, as well as the contributions of Black Defence Team members. Follow along on social media and stay tuned to Defence Team News, where we will be sharing various learning opportunities, events and articles from different groups—including the Defence Team Black Employees Network and the Defence Visible Minority Advisory Group. We would also like to encourage all Defence Team members to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black Canadians not only in February, but year-round.

To this end, we encourage everyone, and especially leadership at all levels, to ensure every member of the Defence Team is thoughtfully considered, supported and included in the workplace and among our ranks. For resources on how to better support and implement DND/CAF’s many equity and diversity initiatives, you may access the Conduct, culture, diversity and inclusion web page (accessible only on the National Defence network) on the Defence Team’s Intranet site as well as the Canadian Armed Forces Employment Equity Plan 2021 – 2026 (accessible only on the National Defence network). The Defence Advisory Groups (accessible only on the National Defence network) remain a critical resource for anyone seeking unfettered, grassroots advice about equity and diversity.

Black Defence Team members: it is with deep humility and great gratitude we thank you for your innumerable contributions and for your service to Canada.