February marks Black History Month, a time to reflect on and honour the histories, leadership, legacy, and lived experiences of Black communities. This year, at the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto (CAST), we’re embracing the theme Black History, Black Futures: Rooted and Becoming.
Within the context of child welfare, this moment invites reflection on how history, systems and policy have and continue to shape the experiences of Black children, youth and families. Understanding this context helps inform our role and responsibilities as a child welfare agency focused on equity, learning and continuous improvement.
This theme recognizes the deep histories, knowledge and resilience that uphold Black communities, while also looking ahead to the wisdom, creativity and possibilities shaping Black futures today and for generations to come.
Rooted: Honouring History, Culture and Connection
Being rooted acknowledges the histories, cultural legacies and collective experiences that shape Black communities, and the strength that comes from connection, ancestry and shared struggles and memory.
At CAST, our child welfare mandate centres on supporting the safety and well-being of young people, while working to keep children and youth at home and connected to their families and communities. For Black children and youth, these connections support identity, belonging and resilience. By working alongside families, caregivers, kin, and community partners, we aim to foster environments where Black identities are affirmed and supported.
Becoming: Growth, Voice and Possibility
Black history is living and evolving, shaped by Black communities, including the children, youth and families we serve.
Becoming reflects growth and possibility. It speaks to supporting Black children and youth as they develop their voices and consider their futures, while continuing to strengthen our practice through collaboration with caregivers, communities, and partner organizations.
Responsibility and Possibility: Beyond February
Black History Month also serves as a reminder that this work continues beyond February.
Responsibility and possibility reflect the importance of learning from the past while shaping more affirming futures. At CAST, this perspective informs our ongoing work in partnership with our staff, community organizations, and the sector, as we continue to listen, adapt and evolve in support of Black children, youth and families.
