The RBC Black History Month Student Essay Competition
***Deadline Friday January 13, 2012***
They're giving away three scholarships:
First prize: $1,500
Second prize: $1,000
Third prize: $500
Every year Canadians are invited to participate in Black History Month festivities and events that honour the legacy of black Canadians, past and present.
The RBC Black History Month Student Essay Competition is coordinated and sponsored by Royal Bank of Canada in partnership with Free the Children’s GO Local program and is designed to encourage students to learn about and celebrate the important achievements that Black Canadians have had in our community.
Eligibility:
Competition open to legal residents of Canada who reside in the GTA and have applied to a postsecondary school in Canada and plan to attend in the 2012/2013 academic year.
Winners will be announced on February 7, 2012 at the RBC Black History Month celebration.
Essay Topic:
Over the past 16 years, Black History Month has evolved and grown to be an established time during the year to recognize the important role black Canadians have made. In 500 words or less, please tell us how black Canadians have helped to define Canada’s diverse heritage and identity through their achievements and contributions to the broader society.
Submissions
_Mail:_
RBC Black History Month Student Essay Competition
RBC Royal Bank, 20 King Street West, 11th Floor,
Toronto, Ontario, M5H 1C4
_Email:_
[email protected]
CBTU Canada recognizes Juneteenth as a powerful milestone in the ongoing journey toward freedom, marking June 19, 1865, commemorates the arrival of Union troops in Galveston, Texas, who announced the Confederacy's defeat and enforced freedom for enslaved people in the state and the enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation
As we honour Juneteenth, we also recognize August 1st, Emancipation Day in Canada, a time to reflect on the legacy of slavery in our own history and the enduring strength, resistance, and contributions of Black communities.
The struggle for freedom, racial justice, and equity transcends borders. As educators, activists, and community leaders, we stand together in collective solidarity, committed to challenging anti-Black racism and building a future where justice, dignity, and opportunity are realized for all.
In solidarity,
CBTU Canada
March 1st, 2026
Greetings, CBTU Family:
As Black History Month comes to a close, the work of celebrating, uplifting, and advancing Black history does not end for the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU). Black history is not confined to a single month; it lives in our communities, our workplaces, our struggles, and our victories every day of every year.
Over the past months, we have witnessed many inspiring moments across our movement. Black leaders have stepped forward to serve in new roles, some have retired after years of dedicated leadership, and others have begun new journeys that continue to shape our communities and labour movement. Each transition reflects the strength, resilience, and ongoing legacy of Black leadership within CBTU and beyond.
At the same time, our community has also experienced profound loss. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of CBTU Region One President Sharon Lovelady-Hall. Her leadership, commitment, and impact will be remembered and honoured throughout our organization.
We also send our heartfelt sympathies to all members of our CBTU family who have lost loved ones in recent weeks. Please know that you are not alone; our community stands with you.
The CBTU family remains rooted in solidarity and care. In moments of celebration and in times of grief, we continue to support one another. Together, we will keep building, organizing, and advancing the lives of Black people in our workplaces, our communities, and across the globe.
As we move forward, let us remain committed to the mission that unites us: empowerment, justice, and progress for Black workers everywhere.
Greetings, CBTU Family:
November 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of our organization becoming a Chapter of the CBTU, and the beginning of our year of celebration! Please take a moment to read our Special 30th Anniversary Edition Chapter Newsletter, where we have highlighted to accomplishments of several of our dear chapter members.
On behalf of the Chapter's Executive Board, we wish you all safe, happy, and healthy season's greetings and look forward to seeing and celebrating with you at our General Membership Meeting December 16 at 6pm.
