The first permanent English settlement in the North Americas was established at Jamestown, Virginia in 1607. Several scholars have noted that when the first slave ships arrived in Jamestown in 1619, black people served no differently than white bondservants and, consequently, the markers of slavery were not immediately linked to a bodily difference. Further, the word slave initially held no meaning in the English legal system; black subjects were regarded merely as servants.
Read moreBlack Canadian Media (Digital and Film) Is Having a Glow Up Moment
The fields of digital humanities, media studies, journalism, image and visual culture studies, and communication studies often ignore Black Canadian perspectives. In many instances, engagement with race, digital technologies, media production, culture, and history is also absent.
Read morePuppeteer Franck Sylvestre: Performers White Audiences Love
During Black History Month in 2023, Montreal-based artist Franck Sylvestre performed a puppet show geared toward Black children. The show included a puppet named “Max” who appeared with coal black skin, jagged teeth, bright red lips, wide eyes, and an ape-like nose.
Read moreBlack History Month: How to Make February Matter
As a Black Canadian scholar, writer, and public speaker, I participate in Black History Month every year. At the end of 2023, I started to receive invites to speak at 2024 events. Some I agreed to, and some inviters declined once I presented my fee — an issue I address later.
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