History is Made…Daily!

Did you know that February is History Month? It’s also Black / African Month, and in my quest this year to learn more about the people that live in Canada, I’ll definitely be blogging about that too.

But today, I’m reflecting on the past. Maybe because it’s been an interesting couple of weeks. I know I’m not American, but the inauguration (big word, I know!) of President Donald Trump has—and will—impact us all, maybe in ways we haven’t even realized. (We even talked about it at school!) For instance, on January 21, thousands of people around the world “marched” in support of women’s rights. Even members of MY family in Canada joined in.

At first, I didn’t understand why. I thought the Women’s March was in protest of the new President—but my mom explained that it was about so much more than that. She said it’s an important message about gender equality—and making sure we don’t go back in time to when things weren’t very equal at all. Did you know that until 1916, women in Alberta weren’t even allowed to vote?

History was made then—and it was made again on January 21, as the Women’s March became the world’s largest “peaceful protest.” This really opened my eyes. Because I didn’t realize women have historically had to fight for equality, maybe because I’m surrounded by some of the smartest, bravest, and most amazing women in the world. (Yes, even my sister, who loves to tell me EVERY day how much she knows!)

As part of my quest to learn more about Canadian people and their cultures, I’ve decided to spend some extra time in February learning about my country’s history, too. If you’ve read the Superman Duffy comic Fields of Home, you already know the fascinating history of canola in Canada. Plus, in Tasting My Story,“the other me” travels back in time (four times!) to learn about the evolution of Canadian foods over the years—and the importance of family history, too. (Not to mention, * I * dug up some great recipes from the past that are still delicious today!)

A simple Google search has already given me plenty of Canadian history to ponder, and I’m just getting started. Look for my random facts throughout February on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram or the blog! 

And don’t forget to celebrate the Year of the Rooster this weekend—tomorrow is the beginning of Chinese New Year. Check out my past post on it here! And be sure to send me pictures if you attend any celebrations. They could be published on my social media.

Gotta jet!

~ Chase Superman Duffy