Black History Month a time for celebration and reflection

The BCGEU is encouraging members to celebrate Black History Month this February by recognizing and honouring the contributions of African-Canadians in our union, workplaces and communities.

"Black History Month is an opportunity for us to remember the significant contributions African Canadians have made in education, medicine, art, culture, public service, economic development, politics, and human rights," said Darryl Walker, BCGEU president. "Above all, Black History Month is an opportunity for us to understand the role the Black community has played in our history, a role that has been too often forgotten in our history books."

February marks the 33rd year of Black History Month, also known as African Heritage Month. It is a federally recognized, nationwide celebration that provides the opportunity for all to reflect on the significant roles that peoples of African descent have played in the shaping of history.

Valorie Ellis Peet, BCGEU local 505 activist whose family were Black settlers in Western Canada in the early 1900s, said Black History Month immediately makes her think of music. "I'm driven to communicate, to share my Canadian Black history, to listen, to share and learn from the legacy, mutual destiny," Ellis Peet said.

African-Canadians were at the forefront of the anti-slavery movement in the 1800s and were equally involved in human rights struggles in the 1960s and 1970s but more work has to take place across the country to loosen the hold of negative behaviours, and practices. Said Ellis Peet, recalling a favourite African proverb: "If you wanna go far, go together."

Click here to find out more about Black History Month.