Black History Month celebrated at Manitoba Legislature

Black History Month was celebrated at the Manitoba Legislature Thursday, with community leaders, performers, and supporters highlighting Black Canadians’ contributions, leadership, and legacy in helping shape the province and country.

Manitoba’s top elected official in Premier Wab Kinew one of the many provincial leaders in attendance, saying Black community members play a critical role in bettering Manitoba, stressing: “Us having that one future together means celebrating Black history, Black resilience and Black excellence.”

The event featured speeches from Manitoba’s first Black MLAs, and Princess Akenzua the Student Representative from Nelson McIntyre Collegiate said the work done before her, in fighting racism and hate, has to be recognized and must continue. 

“I stand on the shoulders of Malcom X, Nelson Mandela, Rosa Parks, Chino Achebe, Martin Luther King Junior and the countless unnamed heroes who shattered barriers for me to stand here today unapologetic, unafraid and unstoppable,” she said. 

Black History Manitoba, who has been leading advocacy efforts across the province for the Black community since 1981, also in attendance noting how far things have come over the past 40 years.

“I know by looking at Princess, the Ministers, the Premier and all of you here; what we do means something,” said  Nadia Thompson, the organization’s program director.

As part of the celebration, artwork was displayed throughout the Legislature and will be part of the first ever Black artist exhibition, which will be on display until Feb. 14. Artist Andrew Idemudia is one of the talented artists taking part, with five pieces on display.

“Being a Black artist or a Black creative, it’s not always easy to get your stuff out there, but this has been amazing,” he said. 

Manitoba’s current Black MLAs also at the event to mark Black History Month, saying the fight for rights and for Black community members continues. 

“Keep telling our stories,” said Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-term care Uzoma Asagwara. “Keep lifting as we climb and keep fighting for the world that we all deserve.”

At the event, the province also announced an investment of $200,000 for a pilot program aimed at supporting Black entrepreneurs and business owners here in Manitoba. Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Jamie Moses calling the initiative the first of its kind. 

“This is the first time ever the Manitoba government has designed a program working with community to deliver support for black business owners,” he said. 

Black History Month runs all of February