Black History Month

Black History Month

February 1st marks the first day of Black History Month 2023. The Parent Support Services Society of BC would like to acknowledge the rich history, achievements, and contributions of Black and African diasporic communities across the province and throughout Canada.

Throughout the month of February, in celebration of Black History Month, PSS will be highlighting individuals, organizations, programs, and resources that go above and beyond to strengthen the support networks, and improve the care for Black children and their families. Starting with the National Congress of Black Women Foundation of BC. The NCBWF is an organization which sponsors educational, social, cultural and health related programs and projects. These projects are designed to meet the needs and concerns of Black women and their families by enhancing their quality of life. Learn more about their programs and mandate here.

We also recognize the inequality, oppression and systemic racism that continues to be faced by the Black and African diasporic communities, especially those in the child welfare system. While there isn’t extensive data on on the context of BC, provinces like Ontario, offer insight into the disproportionate over-representation of Black children in the child welfare system. We recognize that present-day institutional systems, structures and policies often further marginalize and isolate racialized families.

PSS is committed to actively working to dismantle systemic racism and oppression through capacity building, education, decolonizing, and creating culturally safe spaces, in order to improve outcomes for all families. We commit to re-examining our very own structures within which we work to ensure that we attitudes, practices and beliefs uphold our commitment to supporting the well-being of all families and children.