Black History Month: Rest as Resistance

Black History Month is a time to honour the resilience, contributions, and histories of Black communities in Canada and around the world. This year’s theme, “Rest as Resistance,” invites us to reflect on the power of rest as a radical act of self-preservation and liberation. One individual in particular embodies this theme is the renown civil rights leader Rosa Parks.

Rosa Parks Day celebrates the life and legacy of Rosa Parks, the civil rights icon whose quiet act of defiance changed history. On December 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger, sparking the Montgomery Bus Boycott—a pivotal moment in the fight against racial segregation.

Her bravery inspired a movement, proving that resistance doesn’t always have to be loud to be powerful. Rosa Parks Day is observed on February 4 (her birthday) and December 1 (the day of her arrest), recognizing her lifelong commitment to justice.

While often remembered for that historic moment, Parks’ activism extended far beyond the bus boycott. She worked tirelessly for racial equality, voting rights, and economic justice, proving that the fight for freedom requires persistence.

This Black History Month, let’s honour Black ancestors and visionaries not only by remembering their struggles but also by embracing rest as a form of resistance. Take a moment to slow down, breathe, and recharge—because liberation includes the right to rest.

Join the conversation: How do you practice rest as resistance? Share your thoughts using #RestAsResistance #BHM #BHMCanada. You can also watch our series of livestreams this week for ACB HIV Awareness Week on instagram, as well as participate in an exploration of self-care and rest’s role in the fight for Black liberation at our event Rest as Resistance: Healthy Bodies and Black Liberation (Register Here: https://MoyoBHM2025.eventbrite.ca)