Dear readers,

Ah February, the second month of the year and a moment to recognize and celebrate Black history.  

It’s exciting to see that many universities are running open online events this year. McGill University, for instance, has organized open sessions throughout February focusing on Black history, culture, and more. If you’re interested in finding out more about the history of your community or province, a good place to start is the Government of Canada’s website, which has a list of Black history organizations and educational resources. You can also turn your gaze outward to the powerful Black activists and role models taking claim on the 21st century. Such powerful voices as Kamala Harris, the first female and first Black vice president of the United States, with Canadian credentials to boot; activist and former Poet Laureate of Halifax El Jones; Halifax’s most recent poet Laureate Afua Cooper; and so many more.

As a publisher, we are honoured to share Black voices and stories through our published works. Visit our curated Black History Month collection to read the work of reggae poet Kwame Dawes; experience the art of Mickalene Thomas in Femmes Noires; discover the advantages and challenges of a trade practise based on dialogue, transparency, and respect in Fair Trade: A Human Journey; and navigate the impossible maze of the Ethiopian diaspora in the novel Daughters of Silence by Rebecca Fisseha.

But the impetus to learn about Black history — to celebrate Black culture — need not end with February. Keep your eyes peeled. This collection will continue to grow.   

In addition to our Black History Month collection, our catalogue features some newly arrived books that we’d like to share with you, including Patricia Robertson’s new climate-themed story collection, Hour of the Crab. Michelle Butler Hallett’s masterful spy thriller Constant Nobody will soon be available at your local bookstore. And later this month, you’ll find Future Possible, a magnificent art history of Newfoundland and Labrador originated by the Rooms Gallery, and Autism Arts, a unique collaboration between Autism Nova Scotia and the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia on how art can be used to foster communication and self-expression within the autism community.

In case you’re wondering, we’re still offering free home delivery on Canadian orders of $35 or more. And yes, you’ll also find our books at your favourite bookstore. Drop in and tell them we’ve sent you.

Take care. Enjoy the snow cover while it lasts. The countdown to spring has begun.