News Release
January 28, 2011
MARCELINO WELCOMES FEBRUARY AS BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN MANITOBA
Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino today encouraged Manitobans to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Black History Month in the province by remembering the progress, richness and diversity of the achievements and contributions of people of African descent in Manitoba and around the world.
“Black History Month provides a focal point for the celebration of black experiences, perspectives and history throughout the world,” said Marcelino. “Manitobans embrace and celebrate our province’s diversity because it is one of our greatest strengths. It makes us unique in the world today and it makes Manitoba a destination of choice for immigrants to Canada.”
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 ‘Transition…Learning from the past to make a brighter future’.
Educators, students, parents and the general public are invited to attend and participate in a number of events that are celebrating Black History Month. Some of the events include:
- the official launch of Black History Month, Sunday, Jan. 30 at 4 p.m. at the Jamaican Cultural Centre, 1098 Winnipeg Ave.;
- a history lesson and workshop on cooking, music, arts and crafts, Feb. 12, 10 a.m., 1098 Winnipeg Ave.;
- a job fair hosted by the Afro-Caribbean Association of Manitoba, Feb. 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Elmwood High School senior gym, 505 Chalmers Ave.;
- a Black History Month fashion show, Feb. 20, 4 p.m., Jamaican Cultural Centre, 1098 Winnipeg Ave.;
- a Congress of Black Women cultural awareness workshop Feb. 22, Viscount Gort Hotel, 1670 Portage Ave., with registration starting at 8:30 a.m. and a registration fee of $60; and
- the Black History Month Community Awards Banquet, Feb. 26, 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Jamaican Cultural Centre, 1098 Winnipeg Ave., with tickets priced at $25 for adults and $12.50 for children 12 and under.
“Our province is composed of people from diverse linguistic and cultural origins,” said Marcelino. “It is important that all Manitobans have some basic knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the richness of our human diversity, our roots and our peoples’ stories.”
According to the 2006 Census, 7,660 people of African descent reside in Manitoba and 15,660 people self-identify as being black.
In December 2009, the United Nations declared 2011 as the International Year for People of African Descent.
For more information on Black History Month, visit the Multiculturalism Secretariat website at www.gov.mb.ca/chc/multi_sec/resources.html#events.