City News // Black Shirt Day
Posted Jan 14, 2022, 9:50AM PST.
Summary
- Thousands to take part in Black Shirt Day to recognize struggle for civil rights fought by Black, racialized Canadians
- The Anti-Racism Coalition of Vancouver says the second annual Black Shirt Day is part of a global movement
- The day is also to stand in solidarity with other racialized communities, organizers say
January 14 is Black Shirt Day in B.C. and Canada, a day to recognize the struggle for civil rights fought by Black and racialized Canadians.
With many teachers, students, and educators putting on black t-shirts Friday, those involved say the day is gaining significant momentum in only its second year. Last year, more than 10,000 people signed a petition to have the day officially recognized by the B.C. government.
Steve September, chair of the Vancouver chapter of the Anti-Racism Coalition (ARC), says there is a meaningful purpose to the day.
“Black Shirt Day was launched to start the narrative early on Black History Month. Black Shirt Day is a means to celebrate the birth of Martin Luther King and everything he stands for,” he said.
He says his hope is the day sparks a broader conversation about Black history beyond slavery.
“Our Black Shirt Day actually starts late tonight, because we are going to get hashtags in from New Zealand. Then it’s going to go over to Asia. Then it’s going to go over to South Africa. It is not just local, it is a worldwide movement because everybody can relate to it,” September said Thursday.
He adds it’s not just about celebrating Black contributions to Canadian society.
“We are going to do the same thing with Indigenous leaders, with anybody from the Asian community, the LatinX community. We are BIPOC, we are not one, we are not pro-Black, we are not anti-White we are BIPOC,” September said.
https://vancouver.citynews.ca/2022/01/14/black-shirt-day-bc/