Wednesday 7 February 2024
Canada Extends UN Decade for People of African Descent to 2028 @ Black History Celebration
By Joy Osiagwu, Editorial Associate
Participants at the 2024 Black History Month celebration by the government of Canada at the Canadian Museum of History on February 7, gave a resounding ovation to the announcement of the extension of the United Nations Decade for People of African Descent in Canada to 2028.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who celebrated the Black communities across Canada for their contributions to the growth and development of the nation with some members of the Parliamentary Black caucus team, announced that the extension would ensure the full benefits of the ten-year mark (2015-2024), given that Canada only endorsed the declaration in 2018. Trudeau acknowledged the work of the Black staffers “who represent Canada, including the Black Canadians working with the Liberal government to strengthen diversity in the country.”
He assured of the government’s commitment to collaborate with Black communities to highlight, celebrate, and support laudable and engaging Black initiatives. “Together, let us make sure that everyone has the tools they need to succeed, and let us work together to build an economy that works for all Canadians,” he said.
Anchored by Arielle Kayabaga, Member of Parliament (MP)- London West, the evening was a crowd puller with Black Canadians from various provinces representing their communities, as diverse Canada enjoyed great music, dance, and admired the display of the rich cultural heritage of the African continent.
MP Kayabaga acknowledged trailblazers in the Black community, drawing attention to Jean Augustine, the first Black Woman in Cabinet, three-term Chair of the National Liberal Women’s Caucus, and her unforgettable feat in 1995 through the introduction of the motion passed unanimously by the House of Commons which led to the recognition of February as Black History Month across Canada.
The Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities, Kamal Khera, reassured Black Canadians of the Liberal government’s commitment to Black excellence throughout the years and decades ahead. “We will continue to celebrate the diverse heritage of Black Canadians, telling the stories of hundreds of thousands of trailblazers, many of whom have shaped Canada because of their resilience in the face of injustice! Black History is Canada’s history”, she added.
Member of Parliament and Chair ACVA Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs, Emmanuel Dubough, commended the Liberal administration for its steadfast commitment to Black Canadians and the incredible celebration each year with Prime Minister Trudeau and other government officials always in attendance. He drew participants’ attention to the election of the Speaker of the House of Commons, the Honourable Greg Fergus. He stressed that the Speaker’s “inspiring career and outstanding leadership skills” earned him the coveted position.
It was a great evening that reunited Canadians from diverse backgrounds and provinces with lots of banter and camaraderie.
The night’s highlight was the show-stopping performance of the Burundian Remesha -Sacred Drummers and music by the Fantasy Steelband.
Tagged, “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build,” the theme for 2024 focused on the rich contributions and accomplishments of Black Canadians in the past and present. The government is also looking at new opportunities for the future of the Black communities.
Click on the link below to watch a sneak peek of the performances.