BURNABY—In an effort to promote an active and inclusive union and to promote equality in our society and our workplaces, CUPE BC and its members celebrate black history every year during the month of February.
This is a chance to acknowledge and celebrate the many contributions made to British Columbian society, and to our Union, by Canadians of African origin. Among them have been celebrated NDP activists Emery Barnes, a former BC Lions player and Speaker of the House, and Rosemary Brown, a leading women’s advocate and teacher; Seraphim “Joe” Fortes, English Bay’s first official lifeguard; Harry Jerome, Olympic athlete and recipient of the Order of Canada; Mifflin Gibbs, businessman and civic leader; and Sir James Douglas, Britain’s colonial governor in the Pacific Northwest.
On October 18, 2011, a motion put before Vancouver city council to have Black History Month designated as a civic special event with funding was approved by the mayor and council. As a result, a planning team comprised of City of Vancouver staff, cultural organizations and community representatives was established, leading to community partnership events and an official celebration.
This year’s events include various film screenings, music and dance performances and other presentations in Vancouver, a short film showcase at the Central branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library as well as a concert at the Belfry Theatre and a presentation on Black pioneers in B.C. at Saanich Centennial branch of the GVPL.
For more information on the contributions of the black community to Canada, read this year’s statement by CUPE National president Paul Moist and secretary-treasurer Charles Fleury.
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