Thoughts Along the Path . . .

Every day is a special day to someone somewhere: a birthday, an anniversary, or perhaps a long-awaited event. On a larger scale, there are civic holidays, religious holy days, events or moments to remember, and cultural celebrations. With so many noteworthy occasions, it is impractical to know what they all are, much less to observe them.

You probably know that February is Black History Month, though you may not have planned anything specific to do or to learn about. Just to get you started, here is a summary of its origins. When first established in 1926 in Chicago, it was called “Negro History Week”. Designed to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass, it has since grown to embrace an entire month even as it has undergone several name changes. At present it is officially observed in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Germany, and the Netherlands.

So what is its relevance in 2026? To me, it is a reminder that - beyond borders, beyond politics – we find a story of ongoing ignorance and prejudices. Already that brings a question: How can society as a whole grow past all of that? At the most fundamental level, we need to see people (Black or whatever may be their heritage or identity) as human beings, as our kindred, worthy of respect and to be treated justly. As a next step, we can honour their history and their culture. This short quotation from the Baha’i writings sums it up nicely: “If you meet those of different race and colour from yourself, rejoice to be among them.”

When I consider that Black History Month in one form or another has been part of a cycle of annual events for 100 years, I wonder about the emphasis in the past compared to the present. Countless stories about injustice and prejudices as well as some steps forward are by now familiar. And yet, sadly, injustices against our Black friends and neighbours continue throughout the world. There is nothing new about this, though the word “Black” perhaps has taken on new meanings.

When you think about Black history, beyond the historical facts and stories, what comes to mind? With so many possible answers to this and considering that the word “Black” does not need to be limited to people from one location or gene pool, we can learn to employ arts and culture as a means to appreciating any group of people. Indeed, anthropologists consider cultural expression as one of the indicators of a “people.”

As I write this, I am reflecting on the countless contributions of people considered Black – now and throughout time. You probably know books that do this. Also lectures, podcasts, blogs, and more. Do you also know that Canada’s National Film Board (NFB) has an inventory of films that facilitate this understanding?

I recently had a chance to preview some of the NFB’s films on this subject and found three short films that consider “Black history” from multiple perspectives including the arts and personal relationships. I hope you will consider joining me at the Ayr Library on Wednesday 25 February from 6-8pm to watch these films and then discuss what we saw and heard, share our learning, and get better acquainted among ourselves. Advance registration is required through the library’s website or contacting the local branch for assistance.

We will only have room for 30 people, but that needn’t stop any of us from being engaged in the process of honouring people whose rich history spans time and a full range of human experience. That’s what makes it history.

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Submitted to Ayr News by Jaellayna Palmer February 2026