Empowering Through Education: The Role of Black Mothers in Teaching Black Canadian History

Blog Submitted by: Keisha Cuffie

In the heart of every black mother lies the profound responsibility and privilege of being the first teacher to her children. This role extends beyond the essentials of nurturing love and social skills, and deep into the richness of our own black heritage—a heritage that many of us are unaware of, because our environment is dominated by systemic racism which facilitates the erasure of our contributions and achievements in textbooks and curriculums. Yet, through mentoring, we can help our youth navigate their identity with pride across different phases of life. It is through our guidance and instruction that our children learn to navigate their place in a world which presents them with apathy to outright hostility. The lessons we impart about Black Canadian history are not just about recounting the past but a legacy that shapes their present and future.

As Black mothers, the way we teach our children about history and heritage does not follow a structured curriculum but rather an integrated experience that becomes part of our daily exchanges. This is mainly due to the lack of knowledge imparted to us regarding our own heritage. We tell stories of historical figures not only as reminders of their struggles but as icons of strength and perseverance but there are large gaps in our knowledge base which I want to address here. Our storytellers include scientists, artists, leaders, and pioneers—each showing that despite obstacles, Black individuals in Canada have always been at the forefront of excellence and innovation. Our history in Canada begins in the 1600’s and include explorers like Mathieu DaCosta, was an African interpreter who spoke several languages among them, French, Dutch, Portuguese, English, and some Indigenous languages accompanied Samuel de Champlain on voyages to Acadia and the St. Lawrence region.

Sadly, until the education system catches up, we need to teach our children on their history thankfully there are amazing community resources which, through the innovation of Black business have been working tirelessly to promote equity and inclusion. Among them, Parents for Diversity, they have created a free online interactive, colourful periodic table of Black Canadian History, featuring Artists, Entrepreneurs, Governments representatives, and so much more. If you live in Ottawa-Gatineau, Jaku Konbit, is an African-centred non-profit organization which hosts summer camps for black youth as well as mentoring and tutoring. Freedom School in Toronto is a youth and parent driven organization fighting anti-Black racism in the school system, which runs programs which include curriculum fairs, Sunday school and fairs for children four to twelve years old. If you have a teenager in the GTA you might want to check out The CEE Centre, a charity dedicated to assisting youth ages 14+ elevate their education, provide career choices in a holistic manner. We know that technology is important and with literacy numbers on the decline amongst our youth at higher rates than ever before the organization Black Boys and Black Kids Code is working to change that and impower our kids with a nationwide organization with chapters in Ontario, BC, NS, Alberta, and Quebec and provide digital literacy skills to black youths to empower them in STEM, their workshops range from ages 8+. This is just a few of the many community organization and grassroots initiatives that are working to provide positive and impactful change within our communities.

Encouraging critical thinking and a love for learning, will guide our children to question, explore, and seek knowledge beyond the conventional narratives. This approach fosters informed individuals who are prepared to navigate the complexities of society with confidence and a strong sense of self.

The education we provide on Black Canadian History and heritage is more than just lessons; it’s about building a foundation of knowledge, pride, and empowerment. It’s about preparing our children for a world where they know their value, embrace their identity, and are inspired to reach their highest potential. As Black mothers, we hold the key to unlocking this potential, guiding our children through the stories of the past, and lighting the path toward a future filled with promise and possibilities.

Keisha Cuffie

Instagram & Tik Tok @CurlyKeish

Author, “D is for Dazzling/D pour Diamant” (2022) “I Am Victoria Lewis/ Je Suis Victoria Lewis” (2024)

Founder of iMelanin - www.imelanin.com (2021) “Be Authentically You”

Founder of Black Legacy Collective – www.blacklegacycollective.org (non-profit 2024) “Making Black History Accessible to All”