Black History

Why Black History Month Still Matters

Every February, Black History Month invites us to reflect on the contributions, struggles, and resilience of Black communities. While it is a time to honor the past, it is also a call to examine the present. The injustices we learn about in history books—racism, inequality, and systemic barriers—are not just relics of the past; they continue to shape our world today.

From 2015 to 2024, the United Nations declared the International Decade for People of African Descent, recognizing that racism and discrimination against Black communities remain deeply rooted worldwide. The decade focused on justice, recognition, and development, but as it comes to an end, it is clear that ten years is not enough to undo centuries of oppression. Progress has been made, yet Black communities still face disparities in education, employment, policing, and access to resources. The work is far from over.

As a faith community, we are called to seek justice and love our neighbors. Learning from history is one way we can ensure that cycles of harm do not continue. If we do not remember and confront past injustices, we risk repeating them in new forms. Black History Month is not just about looking back—it is about moving forward with awareness, empathy, and a commitment to change.

Let this month be a time of reflection, learning, and conversation. May we open our hearts and minds to the realities of the past and the challenges of the present, so that we can be part of building a more just and compassionate future.

Preserving the Legacy by Telling the Story

Throughout the year, members at Julian of Norwich Anglican celebrate and give thanks to God for the rich heritage of Blacks in Canada and for the many gifts they share.

We view this as an opportunity for reflection and uplifting conversation. Rethinking how we can be continually challenged to imagine a different world, a better world, for all of God’s people.

We are invited to uplift the contributions of Black-Canadians as a model for our children and future generations.

Black History invites us as human beings created in God’s image to ask: how does our church celebrate diversity, particularly as it is expressed racially and ethnically? How do we see ourselves; how do we see others and how do others see us?

Each week of Black History Month 2025 we will introduce four individuals who have challenged systemic racism, advocated for justice, and created space for future generations to thrive. Their work is a testament to the ongoing efforts to resist oppression in Canada.

Black History

The Work Continues

The United Nations proclaimed 2015 to 2024 as the International Decade for People of African Descent, under the theme “People of African descent: recognition, justice and development.”

As the initial decade concludes, the UN has announced a second International Decade for People of African Descent, commencing in 2025. This continuation aims to build upon the progress of the past ten years, further advancing the human rights of people of African descent and addressing systemic racism and discrimination.

The new decade will continue to focus on the three pillars:

Recognition: Promoting a greater knowledge of and respect for the diverse heritage, culture, and contributions of people of African descent to the development of societies.

Justice: Ensuring access to justice for people of African descent, who continue to face challenges such as police violence and overrepresentation in the prison system.

Development: Encouraging states to eradicate social injustices inherited from history and to fight against racism, prejudice, and racial discrimination to which people of African descent are still subjected.

United Nations Video: Second International Decade for People of African Descent

UN Video 2025

An Investment in Black Canadian Youth

The Black Canadian Scholarship Fund (BCSF)

The Black Canadian Scholarship Fund (BCSF) is dedicated to enhancing the educational future of our young people, supporting the future leaders of tomorrow and ensuring community development. The BCSF was established to provide opportunities and encourage academic excellence for qualified black students in the chosen fields of study. These opportunities are made available through the support and generous donations of many, through scholarships or bursaries.

The BCSF was established in 1996 by Dr. Horace Alexis and members of the Ottawa community and funds are held with the Ottawa Community Foundation.

Their Mission

✓ To ensure community development by supporting future leaders
✓ To provide opportunities for qualified black students to achieve their highest academic potential
✓ To encourage academic excellence among black students in their chosen fields of study

Consider Making a Contribution

Julian of Norwich Anglican Church supports the BCSF.

We invite you to contribute as well.

Donations of $20 or more to the Black Canadian Scholarship Fund are tax deductible.

Building a Future of Hope

As we conclude our Black History Month celebrations, we do so with gratitude for the resilience, contributions, and triumphs of Black Canadians who have shaped our nation. Their sacrifices and perseverance have laid the foundation for justice, equity, and opportunity. But our journey does not end here—our call is to continue building a future of hope.

Jesus’ words in Luke’s Gospel challenge us to embody love, mercy, and generosity. “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” In the face of adversity, oppression, and injustice, our response must be rooted in radical love—a love that uplifts, heals, and transforms. Throughout history, Black leaders and communities have lived out this call, choosing hope over despair, unity over division, and faith over fear.

As we move forward, may we carry this lesson in our hearts:
► To love boldly, even in the face of struggle.
► To seek justice, not only for ourselves but for all.
► To give without expecting return, knowing that true abundance comes in community and shared progress.

May we continue the work, inspired by the past, committed in the present, and hopeful for the future. For the measure we give will be the measure we get back—pressed down, shaken together, and running over.

FEBRUARY 23rd – Patrice Hall-Johnson – Our Guest Speaker

Patrice Hall-Johnson, stands as an inspiration, earning recognition for her outstanding contributions to the field of education. Recently awarded the 2024 Director of Education Commendation Award and the prestigious Prime Minister’s Award in Teaching Excellence in 2023, Patrice is not only a dedicated teacher with the Ottawa Catholic School Board, but a distinguished professor at Algonquin College and The University of Ottawa. With a profound impact on students, colleagues, and the community, her dedication and care for her also had her recognized by CTV and Faces Magazine as “Professor of the Year” in 2022, coming out of a post-pandemic era. Her journey in education shows a commitment to excellence, innovation, and advocacy. With an illustrious career in various educational environments, Patrice has left a lasting mark on the educational landscape.

Patrice’s dedication transcends the boundaries of traditional classroom spaces. She has not only embraced the role of a teacher but has also authored curricula for elementary and secondary panels and developed courses for the Faculty of Education and Community Studies. Her workshops and various writing projects serve as dynamic tools to engage and empower staff and students, fostering an environment conducive to learning and a growth- mindset. Furthermore, she has been a trailblazer in professional development, establishing initiatives within Summer Institutes, pioneering the United in Black Day Campaign and Anti-Racism Week designed to equip staff and students with the tools and insights needed to celebrate Black Excellence and combat anti-Black racism while promoting and implementing inclusion in education.

Wearing many hats as a wife, mother, community builder and educator; Patrice continues to serve her community and the organizations to which she’s of service. In June 2024, she was appointed co-chair of the OCSB Black Employee Network, replacing Dr. Prince Ehoro who now serves in an advisory role. Patrice continues her journey as a lifelong learner and is currently completing licensure in clinical therapy to practice as a psychotherapist and working towards her goal of obtaining her doctorate. She hopes to complement her work as an educator and community builder while giving back to her community, by providing pro bono and subsidized counselling and therapy to marginalized and economically challenged communities.

Celebrating With Music

Black History Month was established to highlight the invaluable contributions of those who were enslaved and bought from Africa, as well as the lasting impact of African descendants here in Canada. It serves as an educational, opportunity. The beauty of learning is that once you gain that knowledge, it is something that no one can ever take away from you. Just one positive thought is all it takes to learn more.

We are excited to share the following songs as part of our Black History Month church service. We hope you will enjoy them and find the songs meaningful as we celebrate this important occasion together.

February 23, 2025
Lift Every Voice

Amazing Grace

Fill My Cup, Lord

Hymn To Freedom

Kwake Yesu

Thank you for sharing these wonderful songs with us.

Announcements

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