As a mixed race Canadian, Martin Luther King Jr. Day has always been interesting to me. It's not officially observed north of the border, although you'll see lots of people and companies posting about it online.
The world changing impact of leaders like Dr. King is undeniable and must be celebrated. Dr. King deserves to be celebrated.
With how powerful MLK and the Civil Rights movement was, it's easy to forget that African-American History is not a monolith for Black History in North America.
I am always surprised when corporate leadership here in Canada will quickly celebrate the life of MLK and other Black titans of American history, yet will know surprisingly little about the Black Canadians either historically, or in terms of current events. As if African-American progress checks all the boxes for progress for Black folks in Canada. And as if all of the issues of inequality were fixed back in the 60s following the March on Washington.
With that, I just have a small ask for Corporate Canada for today and as we approach Black History Month.
Please continue to celebrate the titans of history. Celebrate Martin, Malcolm, Rosa Parks, John Lewis, Bayard Rustin, James Baldwin, and many, many more.
But don't forget to celebrate Sam Langford, Lincoln Alexander, Viola Desmond, Violet King, Rosemary Brown, Anne Clare Cools, Mary Ann Shadd, Portia White, and many, many more.
Otherwise, it'll seem like you're just paying lip service to Martin Luther King Jr. when you make posts about how you're going to honour his legacy.
#mlk #blackhistory365 #diaspora
Sr. Strategic Communications Manager
3moIt was an amazing event!