Statement on the Significance of Black History Month

History is more than the official narrative taught in school. There is so much that isn’t in the textbooks, knowledge hidden from future generations based on someone’s decision that it isn’t important or necessary. Too often cultures have been erased because they didn’t fit someone’s idea of what history should be. 

As Canadian’s celebrate Black History Month, I encourage everyone to take the time to discover the rich past and contributions of members of Black communities. Their journey, their experience, their contributions to building this province are critically important to understand. Their history is our history. It must not be forgotten.

There is a great deal of common ground between the experience of Black Albertans and Indigenous Peoples. There are experiences we’ve shared as we walked the path of history together. The systems and structures that hold this country up which in turn shut doors to those of us who were deemed different. Racist comments, devaluing of culture and erasure from our nation’s and province’s histories. Finding those connections will help us to understand other aspects of history as well. Working together we will strengthen all communities and contribute in new and innovative ways.

While there are shared experiences and interconnections, we must also honour that the history of Black Albertans and Black Canadians is also unique. Their journey to today faced different challenges and struggles than the Indigenous Peoples. Their efforts and achievements should be acknowledged and honoured by all Canadians. By honouring our differences, we can respectfully move forward together on our parallel journey.

Please, take the time to read and learn during Black History Month. Discover aspects of our past that you were not aware of. Reflect on what more we simply do not know because it hasn’t fit neatly into our preconceived concepts Canadian history. Knowledge is a powerful thing. It leads to greater understanding. For our nation to move forward, we need to embrace our wider histories and learn to support our diverse spirit.