Canadian News

Statement by Minister Hussen on Black History Month

February 2, 2023 |Vision Newspaper |

The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, issued the following statement, yesterday :

“Today marks the beginning of Black History Month in Canada, a time to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements, culture, and heritage of Black and Afro-descendant communities in our country.

Each and every member of the Black and Afro-descendant communities in Canada has a story to tell. As the theme for Black History Month 2023, “Ours to Tell” highlights the importance of sharing the many stories of success, sacrifice, and triumph that bring to life the countless contributions they have made and continue to make to Canada.

The Government of Canada has made $175 million available through the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative since 2019 to support organizations that promote inclusion and celebrate the contributions of Black and Afro-descendant communities in Canada.

Our government recognizes that justice can only be achieved if more action is taken to tackle systemic anti-Black racism here at home. That’s why our government is creating Canada’s new Anti-Racism Strategy, developing Canada’s first-ever Action Plan on Combating Hate, and continuing the whole-of-government work to take on anti-Black discrimination.

To support the economic empowerment of Black and Afro-descendant communities, up to $200 million has been dedicated to creating a new Black-Led Philanthropic Endowment Fund. This will provide funding to Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving non-profit organizations and registered charities that are on the ground and making a difference in towns and cities across this country.

Black Canadian history is a part of our shared history. As the Minister of Housing and Diversity and Inclusion, I invite all Canadians to join in on Black History Month community events and encourage everyone to share the many stories of Black and Afro-descendant communities both in February and beyond.”

SOURCE Government of Canada

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