Yesterday marked the final day of Black History Month 2025, and as I was chatting with a colleague in my office, a lovely Black woman named Sarah, she shared a thought that really stuck with me.

“Each year, we’re overwhelmed by all this information during Black History Month,” she said. “I need a good rest and a chance to digest it all next month.”

Her candid words made me pause and reflect on the true meaning behind our education on Black history and anti-racism. What does Black History Month truly represent for the Black community, and what does it mean to non-Black Canadians?

It’s shocking, yet still true, that so many people in Toronto remain unaware of who Viola Desmond is — the black woman featured on the Canadian ten-dollar bill.

And sadly, despite media coverage and services during Black History Month, many Black people still face daily micro-aggressions and subtle, persistent racism in both work and life.

Yes, Black History Month serves as an important reminder each year, shedding light on these issues. But here’s the question: instead of condensing so much information into a short burst each February, is there a way we can create meaningful, lasting change that addresses anti-Black racism every day?

This is a question we need to reflect on and explore deeply.