First National unites for Black History Month and inclusion for all

Black History Month is an important time in the calendar year for all Canadians, including all of us at First National. Each year, we strive to celebrate and commemorate the contributions made by Black Canadians through our own themed events.

In 2026, with inspiration from Traces, our dedicated Employee Resource Group, we created our own special theme – Stories that Unite: Focusing on Black History and Inclusion – and proudly carried it through national and local activities.

Nationally, the team chose to honor the legacies of three Black Canadians – Jean Augustine, Lincoln Alexander and Rosemary Brown – whose personal stories inspired our team to want to know more, and whose actions forged a path for greater inclusion. Biographies of these three great Canadians were shared with our team.

We also created what we called a Wall of Inclusion containing poignant personal messages submitted by team members expressing their thoughts on what true inclusion means to them. These heartfelt expressions were then posted on our office signboards. Throughout February, we invited everyone to demonstrate their knowledge of Black History Month by responding to skill-testing polls.

Locally, our Toronto office held a Black History Month luncheon creatively catered by The Real Jerk, a Toronto tradition since 1984. While enjoying homestyle Caribbean cuisine, we listened to a gospel choir and participated in a contest to test our knowledge of Black Canadians throughout history who have made a lasting contribution to the development of our country. Winning prizes were provided by local Black-owned businesses.

In Montréal, our celebrations were catered by Boom J Cuisine, a Jamaican culinary experience to remember, and our team participated in a knowledge-based Black History Month quiz. More than that, we were treated to a presentation by Rito Joseph, the famed Montréal tour guide and guest lecturer whose unique style deepened our understanding of, and appreciation for, the local Afro-descendant community and its ancestors.

This year, with enthusiastic support and participation, Black History Month was a time of celebration, observance and inclusion here at First National, a company that is united in our belief that everyone matters.