February is Black History Month in Canada. This year's theme is "Ours to Tell", meaning how our shared history helps us see and measure our progress as a society. This includes learning about the many sacrifices and successes of the black community. Canada is celebrating its 28th Black History Month.
Some success stories includes those of Black politicians. One notable Black politician was the Honourable Lincoln MacCauley Alexander, who was Canada's first Black Member of Parliament (1968) and Cabinet Minister (1979). He also became Canada's first Black Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in 1985. He focused in his career on fighting for racial equality and supporting young people. Through his work he contributed to Canadian society by making it more inclusive.
In 1993, the Honourable Jean Augustine became the first Black woman to be elected into Canadian parliament. She was also the first Black woman in cabinet. She served as minister of state for multiculturalism and the status of women. IN 1995, she was important in legislating February officially to be Black History Month.
The first Black Governor General of Canada, was the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, who served from 2005 and 2010 in this role. Before that she was the first Black reporter seen on French television in Canada. She focused her career as Governor General on how important having freedom was to Canadian identity.
The first Black Mayor of a municipality in Canada was Dr. Firmin Monestime, who was elected in 1964. He was also a medical doctor.
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