Black History Month Statement

Last month a number of Trade Unionists from Canada travelled to the second inauguration ceremony of President Barack Obama. While there we attended the American History Museum where we saw exhibits about the Emancipation and the March on Washington. What struck us about the exhibits was the connection of the two events to the labour movement and that of exploited workers.

Prior to1863 Slave labour was being used in both Canada and the United States to build the countries that many people of African descent call home. In his inauguration address, President Obama bridged the gap between Emancipation and the March on Washington while looking at events of the day. Making it very apparent that while some things have changed, much has also remained the same.

The Emancipation Proclamation was a promise from the government of the Day to Black Folks. One hundred years later in 1963, the March on Washington, was a message to the American government about their failure to deliver on that promise. 2013, one hundred and fifty years later and we are still looking for the fulfilment of those promises.

Here in Canada, it has been a long struggle to win positive change for our community, but an important struggle and we have made some gains. However, as a community we are still grossly under-represented in the life and structures of mainstream Canada. An integral part of the work that the Coalition of Black Trade Unionist does is to address racism, particularly anti-Black racism faced by people of African descent in the workplace. On a daily basis right across Canada, members of our community deal with the impact of colonialism, imperialism, slavery and the historical exploitation of our labour.

We have a long history of building the Canadian labour movement and fighting for social change which goes back hundreds of years.

As trade union members, we understand that all workers and people with little economic clout, are exploited by those with financial and political power. We can not therefore, separate the work we do on behalf of working people everywhere from the struggles of African and African descendants.

We must therefore, remind the “powers that be” of promises not yet filled and take time to celebrate all of our achievements and successes and hold them high for all to see.

So today, we celebrate the work of Black Trade Unionists in Canada, who together with our community leaders fought for changes.

We celebrate the Sleeping Car Porters; celebrate the establishment of Human Rights Commissions across the country; celebrate the legislative changes brought about in the 1950’s and 60’s; celebrate the battles to expose environmental racism; the fight for Employment Equity; celebrate the rights of domestic and migrant workers, the rights for healthcare sector workers; we celebrate contributions of all the people of African descent who built the labour movement. This history must include the unpaid labour during slavery, work done by agricultural labourers and domestic workers, the work of staff and elected leadership in the labour movement.

Black History Month 2013, we celebrate our history, and hold fast to the promises of the future to fulfil the dream.

A dream where exploitation, marginalization and injustice is a thing of the past and one day our Sisters and Brothers of African Descent in the Canadian Labour Movement will be judged on their character, and be treated with the dignity and respect deserving of a people who helped to build this country and this movement.

So as we celebrate Black History Month, we look forward to the hope, promise and dream realized, right here in Canada and also for our southern neighbours.

Latest posts

Canada must reckon with its role in the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans

(Français ci-dessous / French below)

Hello CBTU members and allies,

Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) – Canada is reaching out because we know you share our commitment to justice, equity, and historical truth.

On March 25, 2026, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution declaring the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans a crime against humanity. 123 voted in favour and 3 against. Canada abstained and has declined to issue an apology despite repeated House of Commons Petitions.
That abstention was a choice and it sent a message to the 1.5 million Black Canadians who live with the consequences of that history every day.In recognition of Emancipation Day on August 1^st, the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU)-Canada has launched a national campaign calling on the federal government to formally apologize for Canada's role in the trafficking and enslavement of Africans.

Here is how you can help right now:

1- Email your MP using our template

Email your MP

2- Share this campaign with your networks and members

The UN has declared this the Second Decade of People of African Descent. Canada must not sit on the sidelines of history—again.

In solidarity,

The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists - Canada

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Le Canada doit composer avec le rôle qu’il a joué dans la traite des Africaines et Africains réduits en esclavage

Bonjour, membres et alliés de la CBTU.

La section canadienne de la Coalition des syndicalistes noirs (CBTU-Canada) vous demande de l’aider parce qu’elle sait que vous partagez son engagement à l’égard de la justice, de l’équité et de la vérité historique.

Le 25 mars 2026, l’Assemblée générale des Nations Unies a adopté une résolution déclarant que la traite des Africaines et Africains réduits en esclavage est un crime contre l’humanité. 123 pays ont voté en faveur et 3 ont voté contre. Le Canada s’est abstenu et a refusé de publier des excuses malgré les pétitions présentées à la Chambre des communes à maintes reprises à cette fin.

L’abstention du Canada était délibérée et transmettait un message aux 1,5 million de Canadiennes et Canadiens noirs vivant au quotidien avec les conséquences de cette page d’histoire.

Pour marquer le Jour de l’émancipation le 1^er août, CBTU-Canada a lancé une campagne nationale incitant le gouvernement fédéral à présenter des excuses officielles au sujet du rôle qu’a joué le Canada dans la traite et la réduction en esclavage d'Africaines et d’Africains.

Voici ce que vous pouvez faire dès maintenant pour l’aider :

1- Envoyez un courriel à votre députée ou député fédéral à l’aide de notre modèle :

Envoyez un courriel à votre députée ou député fédéral

2- Faites connaître cette campagne à vos réseaux et membres

L’ONU proclame la deuxième Décennie internationale des personnes d’ascendance africaine. Le Canada ne doit pas rester sur la touche de l’histoire—encore une fois.

En toute solidarité,

La section canadienne de la Coalition des syndicalistes noirs (CBTU-Canada)

CBTU Canada Statement on Juneteenth

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

CBTU Membership letter

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.