Manitoba marks Black History Month

For the second time since the province’s first black MLAs were elected in 2019, the Manitoba legislature marked Black History Month with roughly 200 people taking part, including Premier Wab Kinew, city staff, and leaders in the black community.

“Many of you don’t often get a chance to come to this building, but I want you to know this is your building, our building, a place for all of us to feel represented, feel welcome and I’m so happy we could celebrate black history month right here in the Manitoba Legislature.” said Jamie Moses, MLA.

Deputy Premier Uzoma Asagwara never had a black MLA in office when they were growing up. Asagwara is now proud to know the youth of tomorrow continue to see that change in all levels of government but says we need to remember and share all the history that came before.

“The history that’s been made recently and we are making right now today would not have happened without the people who came before us and fought tirelessly for advancements across our province that they knew they wouldn’t necessarily benefit from in their own lifetime,” said Asagwara.

Asagwara says that it’s also important to note while this event was held last year, this is the first time the current government held a Black History Month celebration in the Legislature.

Premier Wab Kinew gave praise to those behind the scenes that led to this change, saying moments like these open doors for others in the community.

“It really fills my heart with joy to be here today because it signals an important step for one community, but an important milestone for us living together as one Manitoba, as one province, with one shared destiny,” said Kinew.

Nadia Thompson, the Chairperson for Black History Manitoba, says Black History Month needs to continue beyond just February.

“The only way we can do is by continuing what we’re doing right now, continuing what we want to do, continue having those conversations, continue acknowledging these young people, encouraging these young people and giving them something to believe in,” said Thompson.