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Unifor members from across the country gathered in person at the National Office in Toronto and online to celebrate the union’s third annual Black History Month event, highlighting the contributions, leadership and resilience of Black members and communities.
The celebration brought together union leaders, activists, and community advocates to reflect on the ongoing fight against racism and the importance of collective action in building a more just and inclusive labour movement.
“This celebration grows each year,” said National Executive Board Black and Workers of Colour Representative Sharlene Henry who served as the event’s emcee. “Members across the country have been organizing Black History Month events, taking the time to learn, reflect and take action on the issues that matter most in our communities.”
The event took place amid ongoing economic uncertainty and labour struggles across the country, with many workers facing rising costs and job loss, workplace pressures and political attacks on equity and inclusion.
“We know that this past year has been challenging across sectors and workplaces,” said Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi. “I am proud of our members who are refusing to back down, refusing to be intimidated, and refusing to let workers pay the price.”
Hashi highlighted the historic and current leadership of Black and racialized workers in labour struggles and community activism.
“You don’t need to look very far to witness Black leadership in action. Just look at our picket lines and our rallies, and you’ll see Black and racialized workers leading the fight against corporate greed and injustice,” she said. “That’s the strength of our union.”
Unifor Director of Equity and Racial Justice Tricia Wilson spoke about the event’s theme, Black Resistance: Honouring contributions, advancing justice, which emphasizes that Black history is not just about the past but about the ongoing work of building justice and equity today.
“Black history is not just something we look back on,” said Wilson. “It is something we are living right now. It’s something we are creating every day in our communities, our workplaces and our movement.”
Black resistance and leadership are reflected in the union’s work, from bargaining demands that challenge systemic racism to workplace organizing and health and safety advocacy.
The event’s keynote speaker, Dr. Jill Andrew, a long-time advocate for equity and social justice and the first Black, queer person elected to the Ontario Legislature, and reportedly the first in Canada, spoke about the enduring importance of Black History Month and the role Black communities continue to play in shaping society.
“Black History Month is 365 days a year,” said Dr. Andrew. “Black people are instrumental to the growth of our communities and to the economy of this province and this country.”
Andrew also highlighted the critical contributions of Black workers across sectors, particularly the leadership shown during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Many of the frontline health-care workers who carried our communities through the pandemic were Black women,” she said. “Black workers, educators, community leaders, and activists are shaping our society every single day.”
During the celebration, Unifor also presented its inaugural Black Excellence in Leadership Award to Donnarie Evans, a member of Unifor Local 531 at WestJet. Evans serves as her local’s Women’s Representative and is an active member of the Diversity Committee, where she advocates for equity and fairness in the workplace.
Evans is widely recognized as a mentor and advocate who encourages women and Black members to take on leadership roles within the union. Alongside her union work, she balances an extraordinary life as a WestJet customer service agent, a trained paralegal, an entrepreneur who runs a catering business, and a proud mother of four. Her leadership also extends beyond the workplace through community initiatives, including organizing relief efforts for Jamaica.
Members also led a series of presentations recognizing Black leaders who have inspired them. Activists shared reflections on figures including Dr. Carrie Best, B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame Inductee Mel Warner, documentary film maker Cheryl Foggo, Canadian hip-hop artist Aly Ndiaye AKA “Webster”, and Windsor-Essex Country trailblazer Shantelle Browning-Morgan, highlighting the ongoing influence of Black leadership in communities across the country.
The annual event continues to grow as a space for members to celebrate Black excellence, share stories, and importantly, strengthen solidarity within our union and beyond.
Photos from the event are available online on Unifor’s Facebook page.
