Books, Podcasts, and Films to Deepen Your Understanding of Black History & Workplace Equity

Learning about Black history and racial equity requires more than a one-time training session or a single month of focus. Continuous education is essential for understanding the systemic barriers that Black communities face—and how to actively work toward equity in workplaces and beyond.

In Canada, the legacy of anti-Black racism is often overshadowed by the dominant narrative that Canada has always been a safe haven for Black people escaping slavery and oppression. However, Black Canadians have long been at the forefront of demanding justice and equity, particularly in education, labour rights, and workplace inclusion.

• The Fight for Workplace Rights in Dresden, Ontario (1954): Hugh Burnett and the National Unity Association (NUA) fought against segregation in businesses where Black patrons were routinely denied service. Their advocacy led to the passage of Ontario's Fair Accommodation Practices Act in 1954, one of the first laws in Canada to prohibit racial discrimination in public spaces and employment.

• The Nova Scotia Association for the Advancement of Coloured People (NSAACP): This civil rights organization was instrumental in pushing for anti-discrimination policies in education and employment. Their efforts led to significant changes, including the integration of Black history into school curricula in Nova Scotia​.

• Amber Valley & Early Black Settlers (1900s): When Black pioneers arrived in Alberta to escape Jim Crow laws in the U.S., they faced severe racism and exclusion from economic and educational opportunities. Despite these barriers, they built self-sustaining communities, schools, and businesses, laying the groundwork for Black economic resilience in Canada​. Learn more about Amber Valley’s History.

These historical moments highlight why ongoing learning is critical—understanding this history helps us recognize how systemic racism continues to impact workplaces today and how we can work toward more inclusive environments.

Why Continuous Learning Matters for Workplace Equity

📖 Historical Awareness – Understanding Black history in Canada helps contextualize racial disparities in employment, leadership, and opportunity today.
🎙️ Diverse Perspectives – Listening to Black voices expands awareness of systemic racism and workplace challenges.
🎬 Real-World Examples – Stories of Black excellence and resistance illustrate what true equity and inclusion look like in action.

Workplaces that encourage ongoing learning—whether through book clubs, discussion groups, or internal resource sharing—create a stronger foundation for anti-racism efforts.

Books, Podcasts & Films for Deeper Learning

📖 Understanding Black History, Anti-Racism, and Workplace Equity 

The Skin We're In – Desmond Cole

A powerful account of systemic anti-Black racism in Canada, exploring barriers Black Canadians face in employment, education, and public spaces.

The Hanging of Angélique – Afua Cooper

This groundbreaking book uncovers Canada's hidden history of slavery, focusing on Marie-Joseph Angélique, an enslaved Black woman in Montreal.

Hood Feminism – Mikki Kendall

This book challenges mainstream feminism for its failure to address issues disproportionately affecting Black women, such as poverty, food insecurity, and workplace discrimination.

🎙️ Podcasts on Anti-Black Racism & Workplace Inclusion

Secret Life of Canada (CBC)

A history podcast uncovering forgotten and erased Black Canadian stories, including episodes on Hogan’s Alley, Black settlements, and civil rights movements.

Black Tea (Historica Canada)

Hosted by Paula Ethans and Melayna Williams, this podcast covers Black Canadian history, activism, and culture with a critical, engaging lens.

The Good and the Bad of Black Grad (Canadian Association for Graduate Studies – CAGS)

A podcast exploring the experiences of Black graduate students and academics in Canada, tackling mentorship gaps, leadership barriers, and systemic discrimination.

🎬 Films & Documentaries on Black History & Equity

"Black Life: Untold Stories" (2023, CBC)

A groundbreaking Canadian docu-series that uncovers the hidden and often overlooked histories of Black Canadians. This series explores civil rights activism, systemic racism, cultural contributions, and the resilience of Black communities from past to present.

"The Porter" (2022, CBC/BET)

Inspired by real events, The Porter dramatizes the struggles and victories of the Sleeping Car Porters, the first Black-led labour union in North America. The series highlights their fight for fair wages, dignity, and workplace rights, a crucial moment in Black Canadian history​.

"Willie" (2019, ESPN/CBC)

This documentary tells the powerful story of Willie O’Ree, the first Black player in the NHL, who broke the league’s color barrier on January 18, 1958. Willie explores his journey, the racism he faced in professional hockey, and his legacy in making the sport more inclusive for future generations.

How Workplaces Can Use These Resources

Employers can integrate these resources into meaningful workplace learning initiatives:

✅ Host a book club focused on Black history and workplace equity.
✅ Facilitate watch parties with discussion prompts on key themes from documentaries.
✅ Invite guest speakers (authors, historians, or activists) to deepen the conversation.
✅ Create internal learning hubs where employees can access reading lists, podcasts, and recorded discussions.
✅ Encourage leadership to participate in these discussions—not just employees.

At Erin Davis Co., we support organizations in fostering inclusive learning environments through:

✔ Custom learning sessions on anti-racism in Canada.
✔ Facilitated discussions on workplace equity & intersectionality.
✔ Resources & toolkits tailored for specific workplace needs.

Call to Action & Engagement

📚 Support independent bookstores that amplify Black and racialized writers! Check out Top Independent Bookstores That Focus on Celebrating Queer and Racialized Writers for great places to shop local.

📩 Looking for workplace solutions? Erin Davis Co. offers workshops, learning programs, and strategic consulting to help organizations embed equity and inclusion year-round. Let’s connect—reach out at hello@erindavisco.ca