Honouring Black Leadership Across Generations — From Community Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries

Published February 12, 2026

Co-operative housing in Canada has always been rooted in shared values of inclusion, collective care, and community self-determination. As Canada marks 30 years of Black History Month, we’ll be recognizing the many ways Black Canadians have strengthened co-operative housing: as residents, organizers, board members, advocates, and community leaders.  

This week, we’re sharing a message from Olufemi Onanuga, CHF Canada Board Director for Alberta/NWT and Vice-President of Keegano Housing Co-operative. 

Black History Month is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the vital contributions of Black leaders, organizers, and community members who have helped shape more just, inclusive, and resilient communities across Canada. 

In Canada, Black communities have a long history of collective action and mutual support — values that closely align with the principles of housing co-operatives: democratic participation, shared responsibility, and care for one another. Black leadership has played an important role in advancing housing justice nationwide, advocating for safe, affordable housing and stronger tenant rights, and developing community-based responses to systemic barriers and housing inequities. 

Here in Alberta, Black leaders, residents, staff, and volunteers continue to contribute meaningfully to housing co-ops as members, board leaders, advocates, and community builders. Their lived experiences and leadership strengthen governance, foster inclusive neighborhoods, and help ensure housing co-ops remain welcoming places rooted in dignity, respect, and belonging. 

As we observe Black History Month, we honour both the historical legacy and the ongoing contributions of Black individuals within our housing co-op and across the Canadian cooperative housing movement. It is important to have that voice at the table where the visions and commitment to the future are shaped and shared. We may sometimes be the lone voice at the table, the courage to continue to show up will encourage others to lend their voices, abilities and flavors to strengthen our communities. If we don’t do it, no one else is going to do it for us. 

May this month encourage us to learn from Black histories and perspectives, celebrate Black leadership among us, and continue working together to build housing co-ops where everyone in Alberta — and across Canada — can truly feel at home.