February is Black History Month in Canada, a chance to reflect on the legacy of Black Canadians whose courage, leadership, and resilience have shaped our country. For those of us in the legal profession, this month is also a reminder to honour those who have worked to combat systemic racism in our institutions and promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in the field of law.
This year’s theme is “Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.” As we celebrate Canada’s 30th Black History Month, I am thinking of Black Canadians who have left an indelible mark on our profession and on our justice system, and who have laid a foundation for new generations of Canadian lawyers to build upon.
Among them are people like Violet Pauline King Henry, who opened doors as the first Black woman to become a lawyer in Canada and the first Black person admitted to the Alberta Bar; the Hon. George E. Carter, a Black judge who was instrumental in the development of Legal Aid in Ontario; Juanita Westmoreland-Traoré, the first Black dean of law at the University of Windsor and the first Black person appointed to the bench in Quebec; and Vivene Salmon, the first Black President of the CBA. These trailblazers are just a few of the many role models, leaders and advocates in the Black legal community who have enriched Canada’s legal system and made Canadian society more just.
The CBA remains committed to dismantling systemic racism and injustice in our institutions and to creating meaningful opportunities for mentorship and support so lawyers of all backgrounds can thrive. I invite everyone to learn more about our CBA Equality initiative, consult our Equity and Diversity Guide for Law Firms and Legal Organizations, and help continue the necessary work of ensuring that Canada’s laws, legal practices, and legal profession serve as vehicles for equity and justice.
This month is not simply about reflecting on the past. Its observance should be a call to action for all of us to combat anti-Black racism, celebrate the achievements of Black Canadians, and redouble our efforts to improve access to justice for everyone in Canada.
