Learning About Our History Is More Important Than Ever

The statue of Edward Cornwallis, the founder of Halifax, is about to be covered as activists protest in Cornwallis Park in Halifax on July 15, 2017. The statue was removed on Jan. 31, 2018. The Canadian Press/Darren Calabrese

Commentary

In 1922, a prominent Canadian activist wrote a book titled “The Black Candle.” Ostensibly about Canada’s drug laws, “The Black Candle” contained many racist statements and portrayed visible minority groups, particularly the Chinese community, as a threat to Canadian society. To make matters worse, this person also promoted eugenics and strongly supported the forced sterilization of people with disabilities.