BHO Board of Directors left to right Natalie Domey, Jean-Marie Guerrier, June Girvan, Godwin Ifedi, Joanne Robinson, Sarah Onyango and Eldon Holder Jr Photo credit Seyi Okuribido-Malcolm

Saturday 25 January 2020

Over 400 people packed the main hall at the Shaw Centre on Colonel By Drive last Saturday to participate in the launching of the City of Ottawa 2020 Black History Month hosted by Black History Ottawa, under the leadership of President June Girvan. Mayor Jim Watson was there in person to read the city’s proclamation of February as the official Black History Month. Other dignitaries present were Federal Minister Catherine McKenna, who read the Prime Minister’s message; Provincial Minister Lisa MacLeod who brought eh official message from the Ontario Premier; MPs Marie-France Lalonde and Greg Fergus; MPP Joel Harden; Councillors Glen Gower, Rawlson King; Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly; School Trustee Valerie Assoi and senior members of the Public and Catholic School boards; senior diplomats from African and Caribbean countries. Black History Ottawa Community Builder awards were awarded to Floyd Hutchinson, Margaret Tucker, Richard Sharpe, Asli Fuad, and Jada Pinnock. BHO President’s award was given to the Ottawa Catholic School Board, while the John Dennison award for Multiculturalism was jointly shared by George and Darril Fosty.

For more info on the 2020 Black History Month events in Ottawa, visit: www.blackhistoryottawa.org

All pics copyright Black Ottawa Scene