February is Black History Month in Canada, which gives students and teachers an extra opportunity to reflect on the history and contributions of people of African descent in our country.

Rosemary tells us what inspired her to get involved in promoting Black history, how Canada came to celebrate Black History Month and shares some of the stories and resources that she thinks our students should know about, most notably Harriet Tubman.

Online Extras

Books by Rosemary Sadlier

• Harriet Tubman: Freedom Seeker, Freedom Leader
• Harriet Tubman & the Underground Railroad
• The Kids Book of Black Canadian History
• Leading the Way: Black Women in Canada
• Mary Ann Shadd: Publisher, Editor, Teacher, Lawyer, Suffragette

Websites

• BlackHistorySociety.ca: The website for the Ontario Black History Society features information on historical people and places, as well as resources and upcoming events. You can also follow the OBHS on Facebook and Twitter.
• HarrietTubmanCanada.com: Information about Harriet Tubman, her life in St. Catharines, and the commemorative activities taking place in March, 2013 on the 100th anniversary of her death.
• Port-Royal National Historic Site of Canada: Parks Canada has posted a good article for teachers wishing to learn more about Mathieu Da Costa, the first recorded Black person in Canada.