February 7, 2007

“So much time has passed, so many paths have been cleared… From Josiah Henson, a slave who was sold three times before he and his family found refuge in Canada, where he shared his agricultural knowledge with other former slaves nearly two centuries ago, to Rosemary Brown, who left Jamaica as a young girl and became a figurehead for women’s rights in western Canada from the 1930s to the 1990s; Black History Month gives us the opportunity to remember the women and men who broke down racial barriers and fought discrimination, guided by the strength of their convictions and driven by the hope of a better world.

If the contributions of Canadians of African descent are only acknowledged once a year, it is because they are not known widely enough. May their battles and victories be a source of inspiration for us today, and for future generations. Another way to celebrate the rich diversity of our country is to further cherish our values of respect, equality, liberty and justice.”

Michaëlle Jean

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Media information
Marilyne Guèvremont
Rideau Hall Press Office
(613) 998-7280
www.gg.ca