Black History Month a time to celebrate and reflect
February is Black History Month, and AUPE’s Human Rights Committee is encouraging members to take part in local events and reflect on the history of African Canadians.
“The first black person to set foot in Canada did so before 1610,” said AUPE Vice-President Glen Scott, who chairs the committee. “That’s over 400 years of history to celebrate and be proud of.”
Scott also noted that, even today, African Canadians face discrimination in Canadian society. “Black History Month gives us an opportunity to face discrimination head-on.”
Black History Month was first officially recognized in Canada in Feb. 1996, following a unanimous motion of the House of Commons in Dec. 1995.