February is Black History Month

In 1978, the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) was established. Its founders, including Dr. Daniel G. Hill and Wilson O. Brooks, presented a petition to the City of Toronto to have February formally proclaimed as Black History Month. In 1979, the first-ever Canadian proclamation was issued by Toronto.The first Black History Month in Nova Scotia was observed in 1988 and later renamed African Heritage Month in 1996.

In 1993, the OBHS successfully filed a petition in Ontario to proclaim February as Black History Month. Following that success, Rosemary Sadlier, president of the OBHS, introduced the idea of having Black History Month recognized across Canada to the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament.

In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada following a motion introduced by Dr. Augustine. The House of Commons carried the motion unanimously.

In February 2008, Senator Donald Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Senate, introduced the Motion to Recognize Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month. It received unanimous approval and was adopted on March 4, 2008. The adoption of this motion completed Canada’s parliamentary position on Black History Month.

Mental Health and the Black narrative – breaking down barriers - Canada.ca

Intergenerational Trauma

Experts refer to this as intergenerational trauma, or secondary traumatization. You might also come across the term historical trauma, which describes intergenerational trauma that stems from oppression related to culture, race, or ethnicity.

Intergenerational Trauma can affect many things like relationships with family or romantic partners, sense of self and identity, parenting styles, communication patterns and overall mental health and wellbeing.

About Black History Month - Canada.ca

Intergenerational trauma is the theory that trauma can be inherited because there are genetic changes in a person’s DNA. The changes from trauma do not damage the gene (genetic change). Instead, they alter how the gene functions (epigenetic change). Epigenetic changes do not alter the DNA sequence; they change how your body reads the DNA sequence.

Intergenerational Trauma: Epigenetics and Inherited Emotional Stress (verywellhealth.com)

Possible causes

colonization
enslavement
cultural genocide, such as the loss of language, culture, and traditions experienced by the Indigenous peoples of North and South America
forced migration, including the recently forced displacement of millions in Syria, Myanmar, and Ethiopia
separation of children from family members, including forced attendance at Indian residential schools and the more recent separation of children and parents at the United States-Mexico border
war
famine and natural disasters
indoctrination into a cult or abusive and controlling religious organization
global or national crises, like the Great Depression
genocide and ethnic cleansing, including the Holocaust, the Holodomor, and the Cambodian genocide
experiencing or witnessing verbal and physical violence, sexual abuse, or emotional neglect
the death, incarceration, or other loss of a parent
systemic racism, discrimination, or oppression
long-term financial hardship or poverty

Intergenerational Trauma: What It Is and How to Heal (healthline.com)

Valentines Day and Mental Health

February is the month of love and romance surrounding

Valentine's Day. It’s nice to be able to treat loved ones but also

remember to treat yourself. Not everyone gets to celebrate this day

with a significant other it might leave you feeling lonely and

uninterested in valentines day but there are ways to fill your day

with love surrounding yourself by loved ones, friends, family but

most importantly, learning to make you a priority.

Valentines Day Self-Care Activities

Being kind to others/ Letting them know how grateful you are to have them in your life
Making yourself your favorite breakfast
Treating yourself to a snack you love
Have a soothing bath
Get cozy and watch your favorite movie or tv show
Try to get out of the house (go for a walk, do some errands etc)
Write yourself a love letter for next Valentine's day write about the things you love about yourself and things your grateful for
Do something that makes you happy explore new hobbies or ones you already enjoy
Practicing Mindfulness (Focusing on the present moment rather then the past or future)