Manitobans have the chance to gain more knowledge of the province’s cultural diversity with the launch of Black History Month. This announcement was made by Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Christine Melnick.
“The tremendous cultural diversity of our province is truly a fundamental characteristic of Manitoba and all these cultures are part of our heritage,” said Melnick. “Many groups are organizing events to help us remember the richness of the achievements of people of African descent in Manitoba and around the world.”
The Black History Month planning team, in collaboration with the Jamaican Association of Manitoba, the Council of Caribbean Organizations of Manitoba, the Congress of Black Women and the Afro-Caribbean Association of Manitoba, has planned various events for this year’s celebration. This year’s theme is Moving Together With Peace and Love.
Educators, students, parents and the general public are encouraged to attend and take part in the events celebrating Black History Month including:
• a black history lesson, 11 a.m., Feb. 11, Jamaican Cultural Centre, 1098 Winnipeg Ave.;
• a black historical re-enactment (underground railroad safe house), 7 p.m., Feb. 17, 1100 Fife St. (tickets $5);
• a job fair, hosted by Afro-Caribbean Association of Manitoba, 10 a.m., Feb. 18, in the gym, Elmwood High School, 505 Chalmers Ave.;
• a cultural awareness workshop, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Feb. 21, Viscount Gort Hotel, 1670 Portage Ave., ($60 for adults, $30 for youth under 25 and seniors 55 and over); and
• a community awards banquet, 6:30 p.m., Feb. 25, Jamaican Cultural Centre, 1098 Winnipeg Ave.
According to the latest Census figures, more than 15,600 people in Manitoba self-identified as being black and over 7,600 people of African descent live in Manitoba.
“Multiculturalism is part of our past, present and future and, with the help of all Manitobans, it will remain a great point of pride for our province,” said Melnick.
More information on Black History Month is available online.
