Celebrating Black History in Long-Term Care
Par Family Councils Ontario
Across the globe, Black History Month is an annual observance that takes place during the month of February. What began as a way to remember trailblazers and monumental events in African diaspora became a tradition for many individuals to celebrate the accolades and contributions of Black individuals worldwide. This month not only acknowledges those who have made a difference in the past, it lays the groundwork for leaders of the present and future to preserve and emulate. We can read about Black history in books and watch documentaries on television, but nothing compares to storytelling from our own families’ matriarchs and patriarchs. The stories that detail the awe amongst the crowd Martin Luther King addressed with his “I Have a Dream” speech, or the deafening sound of feet stomping at the Million Man March; these are the stories that matter most. It is imperative to celebrate this month in our respective long-term care homes. Many residents have memories to share about the biggest African-American movements in history- simply because they witnessed them first hand.
Black History Month reminds us to take a moment out of our busy lives to remember the strides that have been made for racially and culturally inclusive practices. It also puts a spotlight on areas that still need improvement. When we talk about long-term care, the need for culturally focused programming is often a topic left off of the wish list when choosing a home for ourselves or loved ones to reside in. We look for the physical, emotional, and mental necessities in relation to care but often forget about cultural elements that make each resident unique. With such a diverse population in Ontario, many seniors are looking for their linguistic and ethno-specific needs to be met in their long-term care home. This may entail having cultural dishes, practicing traditional customs, and being able to converse in a particular language. With limited resources and funding, providing person-centered cultural care may be out of the question for many homes based on the magnitude of the aging population. However, it is important to think about the benefits of addressing the unique needs, histories, and experiences of every person in long-term care. Why not use the month of February as a starting point to inform and engage residents, staff, and families about the various contributions made by strong Black individuals? By making an effort to acknowledge Black History Month, we reinforce the value of lived and shared experiences that paved the way for our multicultural and diverse communities to co-exist.
We can all do our part to encourage the celebration of heritage in long-term care during Black History Month. Here are a few ideas on how to promote diversity to families and residents during the month of February.
- Have a week-long celebration with themed days and activities that will increase participation and dialogue amongst residents, staff, and families
- Set up a display table with information, pictures, and artifacts
- Hold a trivia night on Black History and invite residents and staff to attend
- Ask the kitchen staff to prepare African and Caribbean dishes throughout the month
- Host a storytelling night where residents can share their own personal stories
- Hold a Black History Month “show and tell” where residents can show off fashions, photos, and trinkets
- Play music composed and performed by Black musicians during specific times
- Read and discuss literature written by Black authors
- Have residents contribute a memory quote, or saying to a Black History banner and hang it in the lobby for others to see
- Host a Black History Month talent show where residents and staff can perform a song, dance, or special skill
Ontario’s long-term care homes are diverse places in which people from all across the world live, work, and visit. To mark Black History Month, let’s make the time to celebrate the histories and heritages of Black residents, families, staff, volunteers, and visitors. Let's take the opportunity and time to learn about each other's past, future hopes, dreams and how they make us unique individuals. In the words of Ola Joseph,”diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one another’s uniqueness.”
By Tiffany Fearon, FCO Client Services Coordinator