In recognition of Black History Month 2023, Jamie Bramburger, Manager of Community and Student Affairs at Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus, sat down for a conversation with retired Assistant Curator of Buxton National Historic Site and Museum, Spencer Alexander. The conversation, entitled “Black To The Past,” explored themes related to Black history in education, Black history appreciation, the importance of Black history preservation and dispelled Canada-specific Black history myths and misconceptions.
Alexander is a sixth-generation underground railroad descendant. He has presented to classrooms across North America, teaching children and young adults about Black Canadian history and cultural diversity. He’s spoken twice at the UN International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and has helped numerous authors and historians conduct research and review genealogy.
Diane McCutcheon, Algonquin College’s Vice President, Human Resources, kicked off the conversation by presenting the audience with a $10 bill, a tender which carries the image of historic civil rights activist and Black businesswomen, Viola Desmond.
“Viola Desmond was a Black woman, a Nova Scotian and a student who continued furthering her education even after she was told that she wasn’t the right colour to learn. Viola Desmond is a historic Canadian figure whose story too few of us here know. Her history isn’t only Black history, it’s part of Canada’s history, it’s your history,” said McCutcheon.
Bramburger then opened the conversation to Alexander, who used his storytelling skills to share historic information about his family’s journey from the United States to Canada and the racism they faced throughout their lives.
Alexander also pointed to the ongoing and systemic challenges in Black history education which tragically results in many Black stories going unheard.
“In the beginning a lot of people didn’t want to talk about (Black history), it wasn’t taught in schools,” he said. “History, in my opinion, has always been written by the oppressor or the victor, it’s not inclusive, so it’s a one-sided history. In order for history to be correct and real it has to be inclusive of all the races that have made this country what it is today.”
Alexander closed the chat by sharing a compelling and hopeful outlook on the advancement of human rights in Canada and beyond.
“I have a dream that one day history will be taught inclusively, that all people can get along,” said Alexander. “See every race, every person, has their own dreams and aspirations, and every family — everyone here has their family history and each one’s family history is of equal importance and equal interest…. The more you get to know and understand people of different cultures, the more accepting you become of them and you’re going to find out that they’re people just like you — everybody bleeds red.”
To watch the full conversation, click here.
