Black History Month has only been recognized on a national level since 1995, while before that it was an endeavour recognized solely in Ontario as of 1993 and in Toronto as far back as 1978.
On Thursday, February 1st, Premier David Eby released a statement on what Black History Month means to British Columbians.
“Black History Month is a time to recognize, honour and celebrate the contributions of the Black community in building British Columbia into the place it is today,” Eby said.
“People like Mifflin Gibbs, an entrepreneur who was the first Black person elected to office in what is now British Columbia and who encouraged BC to join Confederation; social worker Rosemary Brown, whose advocacy against sexism and racism led to her becoming the first Black woman elected to the BC legislative assembly; and Eleanor Collins, known as Canada’s ‘first lady of jazz,’ who was the first Canadian woman and the first Black entertainer to host her own television show in Canada.”
He says that these figures should be household names and can help encourage and inspire British Columbians to contribute to the well-being of the province,
In this effort, Eby says it is important for individuals to learn more about BC’s and Black people’s history.
“Our government is committed to meaningful action to better support Black British Columbians today and in the future,” the Premier said.
“We encourage everyone to join us this month in learning more about how Black British Columbians have contributed to our province and our neighbourhoods. We all benefit when we learn about the communities that shape our province, as we build a better future for everyone in British Columbia.”
The national theme for Black History Month this year is “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build.”
The Canadian government says this theme will celebrate the rich past, present contributions and accomplishments of Black people in Canada, while also aspiring to embrace new opportunities for the future.
To find out about different Black History Month events happening in Victoria, visit the BC Black History Awareness Society’s website.
