The Canadian Arab Institute celebrates and honours Black History Month
Toronto, Ontario, February 2021 ― In honour of Black History Month, the Canadian Arab Institute (CAI) acknowledges and honours the struggles, accomplishments, contributions and leadership of the Black community across the country. Although celebrating Black history should not be confined to just one month, we must remember to take every opportunity to challenge all forms of hate such as anti-black racism in every space. We recognize the exceptional leadership of the Honourable Jean Augustine, who paved the way as the first Black woman elected to the Canadian Parliament and advocated in 1995 for February to be officially designated as Black History Month in Canada.
The Arab population in Canada is a diverse demographic, including Black Arabs. The impact of discrimination has a systemic impact on Black Arabs alongside other Black Canadians who experience hardships and discriminations in areas of employment, housing, health care, criminal justice, financial services and systemically across society more than non-Black Arabs. Without a doubt, anti-Black racism is rampant in all communities, including the Black Arab one. The Canadian Arab Institute calls on non-Black Arabs across Canada to take the time to reflect on their privilege and position within the Arab community. Non-Black Arabs can and should be better allies and advocates for Black Arabs and the greater Black community.
Whether it’s through listening to the tunes of Afro-Saudi singer Etab, or reading more about prominent Afro-Arab women activists like Sara El Hassan and Afifa Ltifi, or watching documentaries by Afro-Palestinian actress and filmmaker Maryam Abu Khaled, we encourage non-Black Arabs in Canada to celebrate Black Arab culture that enrich our understanding of each other as human beings and challenge hate and division.
Beyond just celebrating, CAI is committed to preventing anti-Black, racism, xenophobia and all forms of hate and discrimination. In an interview with CAI, Walied Khogali, a community leader and champion on issues such as equity and human rights, said “we must commit to unlearning the anti-Black practices that occupy our personal and professional lives.” We value the partnerships we have with Black organizations, community advocates, and all stakeholders that are committed to working with us in our fight against Anti-Black racism, which affects us all.
Khogoli also mentioned that “as a community that finds strength in our shared humanity and diversity, we must act now to avoid future generations a repeat of failed past.” Indeed, for non-Black Arabs, this vital conversation should start at our homes with our siblings, parents, children, and grandparents. Even through Zoom or FaceTime, we must have vital conversations about the erasure and discrimination that Black Arabs continue to face within our own communities and beyond.
To facilitate this conversation, we have put together a series of resources related to eradicating anti-Blackness and we encourage you to donate to Black-run organizations committed to racial justice for Black Canadians.
Check out these resources here.
About The Canadian Arab Institute
The Canadian Arab Institute is a national nonpartisan organization that focuses on issues and interests of the Canadian Arab community through research, policy, programming and community engagement. CAI celebrates and encourages Arab Canadians' participation in all social, political, cultural and economic aspects of Canadian society.
Press Contact:
Shireen Salti
Executive Director
shireen@canadianarabinstitute.org
T: 647-425-7970