As Black History Month draws to a close, senators reveal some of the messages they’ve been sharing with students during virtual SENgage events that have taken place throughout February 2022 and what they hope young people will take from this year’s theme: “February and Forever: Celebrating Black history today and every day.”

Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard

As we experience Black History Month, this year again through virtual gatherings, I am taking time to reflect on the seven principles, or “Nguzo Saba” of Kwanzaa. I will be focusing on these principles as I attend virtual events over the month, using them to brainstorm solutions with various communities, and they will help guide me beyond Black History Month.

In Swahili, the principles are Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamaa, Nia, Kuumba and Imani. Each principle brings a specific message and reminder for showing up in our communities. We can apply the principles to any work environment, learning environment, or organization. I encourage each of us to consider how we can embody the Nguzo Saba in our personal lives.

Senator Bernadette Clement

Chatting with young people and exchanging ideas, hopes, fears and dreams is my favourite thing to do! This Black History Month, I can’t wait to spend time with students from a number of schools. I’ve been asked to talk about the importance of Black History Month and allyship, and my experiences with anti-Black racism. I also want to hear back from students. What are their experiences with race? What does social justice mean to them? How are they involved with social justice? How do they want to be involved in social justice?

The Black History Month theme is “February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day.” A big part of the conversations I’ll be having during Black History Month is how we keep the discussion going, how we find solutions for anti-black racism, and how we continue to celebrate black history!

Senator Amina Gerba

As part of our Black History Month events, I will talk to students and others about my career up to and including in the Senate of Canada, as well as my experiences and challenges as a Black woman, immigrant and entrepreneur. I will address the themes of social involvement, entrepreneurship in the Black community and the importance of strengthening our economic and commercial ties with Africa.

Senator Mobina S.B. Jaffer

I am always so impressed by how passionate students are about making the world a better place for everyone. They are quick to recognize injustice and bold in speaking up against it. This year’s Black History Month is about celebrating our history today and every day — and I have seen a growing awareness of the need to support the diversity of this country throughout the whole year.

I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences as the first Muslim and African-born senator and the first senator of South Asian descent. But I am mostly looking forward to hearing what is important to them, to listening to the challenges they face and hearing their ideas for a more just and equitable world. Their energy and optimism are always inspiring, and I can’t wait to speak with them!

Senator Marie-Françoise Mégie

This Black History Month, we honour the legacy of Black Canadians who have changed the course of our history. We also recognize those who continue to inspire our youth to become vectors of change in society.

Let’s recognize the courage and dedication of Black people who work on the front lines and put their lives at stake to protect us from COVID-19. Let’s tell their stories and take the time to start conversations — albeit sometimes difficult ones — with people in our entourage. Let’s show them how to become allies in the fight against systemic racism and discrimination.

Senator Rosemary Moodie

My focus this Black History Month is on Black youth. We often talk about how this time of year is meant to consider our future in light of our past. As is often said, the youth are our future.

Black youth are smart, innovative, creative, perseverant and hard working. Despite the many challenges and roadblocks they face every day, they have found ways to work together to advance their goals and dreams. Black youth are trendsetters and intellectual leaders. They are kind, compassionate and generous. And they care so deeply about the world around them.

This Black History Month, I am thinking about Black youth and all the ways they inspire me as I work on their behalf to create a more just and inclusive Canada where they can thrive.

Senator Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia

While Black History Month is a time to honour and celebrate the contributions of Black Canadians, it is also a time to continue to learn and commit to action. Black community activists, including Precious Familusi, Brian Amadi, Raven Khadeja, Rioko Milani and Nuna Toweh and allies in Newfoundland and Labrador have made tremendous efforts to eliminate anti-Black racism on the Rock, and we must continue to collectively advocate for change. Opening up this dialogue is critical to creating a more just and inclusive Canada.