The City of Red Deer joins other Canadian municipalities in recognizing February as Black History Month.
February has been recognized in Canada as Black History Month since 1995. Black Canadians, African Canadians, and Canadians of African descent have endured slavery and racism in our communities, and erasure in Canadian, Provincial, and local representations in history. Black History Month is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Black Canadians to our economic, cultural, social, and political progress. It is an opportunity to acknowledge and recognize the injustices and inequalities that exist in our communities and call attention to the need for social, political, and cultural change towards a more equitable society.
During Black History Month all citizens are encouraged to celebrate the diversity of our culture and our heritage, to learn how racism is embedded in our way of life, and to learn how we can all make changes to create a community that is safe for all.
“I encourage all Red Deerians to participate in commemorating this month as part of our local efforts to build a racism-free and discrimination-free world,” said Mayor Ken Johnston.
The City of Red Deer is a signatory to the Canadian Coalition of Municipalities of Racism and Discrimination since 2013 and supports community organizations that are working together to promote inclusivity, diversity, and equality for all people. We remain committed to working collaboratively to build a community that celebrates diversity and creates inclusivity.
To learn more about Black History Month in Red Deer, visit www.reddeer.ca/blackhistorymonth.
For more information, contact:
Corporate Communications
The City of Red Deer