Course Review: Black Canadians: History, Presence, and Anti-Racist Futures by University of Alberta (Coursera)
Explore Black Canadian history, migration, resistance, and art. Learn how anti-Black racism shaped Canada and how Black communities imagine just futures.
Instructor: Dr. W. Andy Knight
Course Overview
Black Canadians: History, Presence, and Anti-Racist Futures is a beginner-friendly course that explores Black life in Canada from the past to the present. It explains how slavery, colonial rule, and racist laws shaped the country. The course also highlights how Black communities survived, resisted, and built space for justice. It is clear, thoughtful, and easy to follow. The course is split into four short modules. You learn about early Black presence, migration waves, and community building. It also covers civil rights struggles, labor movements, and modern resistance. Art, music, poetry, and culture are used to show how Black Canadians imagine freedom and change. This course is ideal for learners new to Black Canadian history or anti-racism studies. No prior knowledge is needed, and the workload is light. Short readings and quizzes help reinforce ideas. By the end, learners gain context, awareness, and tools to think about fair and inclusive futures.
Duration: About 8 hours to complete. The course is self-paced. You can learn at any time.
Modules: 4 modules in total. Each module covers a key theme in Black Canadian history. Lessons are short and focused.
Tutor: Dr. W. Andy Knight. He teaches at the University of Alberta. He is an expert in history and governance.
Pros & Cons
👍Pros
- ✔ Clear and beginner friendly. The lessons use simple words and short texts. Anyone can follow with ease.
- ✔ Strong historical scope. It covers migration, resistance, and culture. The topics feel balanced and meaningful.
- ✔ High-quality teaching. The instructor explains ideas with care. The content feels thoughtful and well paced.
👎Cons
- ✖ Limited depth for advanced learners. Some topics are brief. Experts may want more detail.
- ✖ Mostly reading based. There are no videos or live sessions. Visual learners may feel less engaged.
- ✖ Short course length. At eight hours, it ends quickly. Some learners may want more modules.
🧑🎓 Who is This Course Best For?
This course is ideal for anyone who wants to understand Black Canadian history, culture, and anti-racist practices. It suits learners new to the subject as well as those who want to reflect on social justice and inclusion in Canada. The lessons are clear, concise, and self-paced, making it easy to fit into any schedule.
- Students of history and social sciences: Gain insight into Canada’s past and the impact of race, slavery, and migration on Black communities.
- Educators and teachers: Learn accurate and engaging content to teach students about Black Canadian history and social justice.
- Community organizers and activists: Explore historical strategies of resistance to inform advocacy and community work today.
- Professionals in diversity, equity, and inclusion: Understand cultural context and anti-racist practices to support inclusive workplaces.
- Artists and cultural creators: Discover how music, poetry, and art reflect Black Canadian experiences and inspire creative expression.
- Policy makers and public servants: Learn about the historical and social factors affecting Black Canadians to guide fair policy decisions.
- General learners interested in social justice: Build knowledge of systemic racism and strategies for imagining a more just future.
- Immigrants and multicultural advocates: Explore migration histories and multiculturalism’s influence on Black communities in Canada.
- Anyone seeking personal growth: Develop awareness, empathy, and understanding of diverse Canadian histories and communities.
📘 What You’ll Learn
In this course, students will gain a deep understanding of Black Canadian history, culture, and the ongoing struggle against anti-Black racism. You will explore how migration, slavery, and colonial laws shaped Black communities in Canada. The course also highlights the achievements, resistance, and cultural contributions of Black Canadians over time. By the end, learners will develop critical thinking skills, awareness of social justice issues, and tools to imagine anti-racist futures. Through readings, quizzes, and reflections, you will connect history to present-day activism and community-building efforts.
- Recognize the scope of anti-Black violence and erasure in Canada’s past and present.
- Understand struggles for liberation and the contributions of Black Canadians to human rights.
- Explore early Black settlements, migration waves, and community building across Canada.
- Examine civil rights movements, labor rights, and modern resistance strategies.
- Analyze the role of art, music, poetry, and cultural expression in Black Canadian life.
- Reflect on the impact of Canadian multiculturalism and social policies on Black communities.
- Develop awareness of social justice, advocacy, and anti-racist practices.
- Learn from the insights of prominent Black intellectuals, artists, and activists.
❓FAQs
Ready to Start Learning?
Audit courses for free or enroll to earn the full specialization certificate