SEIU Celebrates Black History Month!

SEIU Celebrates Black History Month!

February is Black History Month, celebrating the culture and important contributions of black Canadians across the country. Black History Month is an opportunity for all people to remember and learn about the ongoing legacy of struggles for equal rights and justice for all. Black history, like all history, isn’t just about dates and facts; it’s about people making a difference in each others’ lives.

SEIU Local 1 Canada celebrates the many achievements and contributions of black Canadians who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation we are today. During Black History Month Canadians can gain insight into the experiences of black Canadians and the vital role this community has played throughout our shared history.

During the month of February, SEIU will be highlighting the achievements and celebrating the contributions of famous members of the black community within Canada and the world. From Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., to Lincoln Alexander to Barack Obama, black history is being made everyday around the globe.

In the 1950’s, community organizations such as the Canadian Negro Women’s Association began to celebrate the importance of the history of the black community in Toronto. In 1979, Toronto became the first municipality in Canada to proclaim Black History Month through efforts of many individuals and organizations such as the Ontario Black History Society. In 1995, Toronto Area MP Jean Augustine introduced a motion which was passed unanimously by the House of Commons to recognise Black History Month across Canada.

Black History Month is an opportunity SEIU Local 1 to honour the past and present contributions that African Canadians make in such areas as education, medicine, art, culture, public service, economic development, politics and human rights.

In one of the last speeches Dr. King gave before his assassination in 1968, he spoke to SEIU members and supporters about the Vietnam War, and the continuing fight for social and economic justice.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at SEIU Local 1199