Every February, Black History Month invites us to honour the histories, achievements, and leadership of Black communities across Canada, and to reflect on the ongoing work needed to advance equity and inclusion in all areas of life, including sport. Gymnastics BC (GymBC) is proud to recognize Black History Month and to acknowledge the Black athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and leaders who help shape gymnastics and physical activity in our province and country.

Honouring Black History in Canada and BC

Black communities have deep and longstanding roots in Canada, from early Black settlements in Nova Scotia and Ontario to historic communities such as Hogan’s Alley in Vancouver, alongside the presence of Black communities and residents across British Columbia. In BC, organizations such as the BC Black History Awareness Society and Hogan’s Alley Society work to preserve and share these stories, amplify Black voices, and advocate for systemic change.

GymBC recognizes that Black History Month is both a time of celebration and a reminder of the inequities and barriers that Black communities continue to face, including within sport and recreation systems. We are committed to listening, learning, and working with our members and partners to create safer, more welcoming gymnastics environments for Black participants of all ages and identities.

Across Canada, Black athletes and leaders have significantly shaped sport, recreation, and physical culture. From trailblazing Olympians and national team athletes to grassroots and recreational participants, community coaches, judges, administrators, and youth mentors, Black contributors are helping to grow and transform sport at every level. 

Even small actions, such as featuring Black voices in your newsletters, social media, or bulletin boards can help foster a stronger sense of belonging and representation.

Learn, Reflect, and Engage: Resources for Clubs

We invite member clubs, coaches, athletes, and families to learn more about Black history and contemporary Black experiences in British Columbia and across Canada, and to consider how this learning can inform everyday practice in gyms, classrooms, and communities. The following resources provide starting points for education and engagement:

• BC Black History Awareness Society (B.C. history, events, education).

• Hogan’s Alley Society (history and advocacy related to Vancouver’s historic Black community and ongoing anti-racism work).

• Government of Canada Black History Month campaign (national history, profiles, and educational materials).

Our Ongoing Commitment

GymBC’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion extends beyond a single month, and we recognize that meaningful change requires sustained attention and action throughout the year. We are continuing to review our policies, education, and programming through an equity lens and to seek out opportunities to better support Black participants and communities in gymnastics across British Columbia.

To learn more about our organizational commitments, we invite you to read GymBC’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Position Statement. We encourage all member clubs and community partners to reflect on their own practices and to join us in building a gymnastics community where Black athletes, coaches, officials, and families feel seen, valued, and supported every day of the year.