11/22/22

Treaty 1 and Dakota Territory, Homeland of the Red River Métis, Winnipeg MB—NDP MLA for St. Vital Jamie Moses has introduced a bill to officially recognize February as Black History Month in Manitoba.

“Black people are leaders across our province—in health care, in government, in education and in business. We have helped to build a province that is rich in cultural diversity and Black History Month in February is the time to reflect, celebrate and educate while striving for a more equitable future,” said Moses. “This bill is important. I’m urging the PCs to pass this bill quickly so that this February we can officially recognize Black history in Manitoba.”

Black History Month has been celebrated for more than 50 years in Canada, the United States and across the world. This bill would help schools, media outlets, community organizations and businesses establish and grow events and programs to recognize the contributions of Black Manitobans to our province, educate Manitobans about the history of Black communities, and ensure issues impacting Black families are discussed.

Moses worked with Nadia Thompson from Black History Manitoba and other activist organizations to prepare this bill. Moses urged the PC government to work with the NDP to pass the bill in time for this February to be marked as the first official Black History Month.  

“Black History Month is a time for all people to celebrate the incredible impact Black people have made on our province and our country. It’s also an opportunity for all Manitobans to acknowledge the impact of Black Manitobans on Canadian history and learn more about Black communities here in Manitoba and Canada,” said Thompson, who is the chair of the Black History Month Committee. “Together, we recognize the past, we celebrate achievements, and aim to educate everyone about those who are making history every day in our province.”