This year's Black History Month campaign theme is: Black Canadian Youth: Boundless, Rooted and Proud.
OTTAWA, Feb. 4, 2019 /CNW/ - The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, hosted the Government of Canada's 2019 Black History Month commemoration event at the National Art Centre in Ottawa today. This month is an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements and contributions of Black Canadians to this country.
The theme for this year's Black History Month campaign is "Black Canadian Youth: Boundless, Rooted and Proud." Throughout February, we will honour numerous inspirational youth in the Black Canadian community who have made an impact in shaping Canada's open, inclusive culture. We invite all Canadians to visit the Government of Canada's Black History Month website to learn more about these inspiring Black Canadian youth. You can also download the government's official 2019 Black History Month poster.
Black History Month events will take place throughout February in communities across Canada. We encourage Canadians to celebrate the accomplishments of Black Canadians, past and present, as well as recognize the role they play in our society.
Quotes
"Black History Month gives Canadians the opportunity to recognize and reflect on the contributions of Black Canadians to our country. This February, as we honour inspirational youth in the Black Canadian community, I encourage everyone to learn and celebrate their stories of hope, resilience and empowerment."
— The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism
Quick Facts
In December 1995, the House of Commons unanimously adopted a motion to recognize every February as Black History Month in Canada. The Government of Canada officially celebrated Black History Month for the first time in February 1996.
Notable Black Canadians will be featured on the Government of Canada's Black History Month webpage and will be highlighted on social media throughout February. In recognition of 2019's campaign theme "Black Canadian Youth: Boundless, Rooted and Proud," several additional notable Black Canadian youth will be featured.
Under the Government of Canada's Community Support, Multiculturalism and Anti-Racism Initiative Program, organizations can apply for funding for community events or projects that contribute to an integrated, socially cohesive society. This includes supporting Black History Month activities in communities across Canada.
Budget 2018 announced $19 million to address the significant and unique challenges faced by Black Canadians. This included $9 million for Canadian Heritage to enhance community support for youth and $10 million for the Public Health Agency of Canada to develop research in support of more culturally focused mental health programs in the Black Canadian community.
In 2002, the Government of Canada designated June 27 as Canadian Multiculturalism Day. This day is an opportunity for all Canadians to celebrate the contributions of various cultural communities to Canadian society.
A number of other month-long cultural observances are celebrated in Canada, including Asian Heritage Month in May.
Associated Links
Statement by the Prime Minister on Black History Month
Statement by Minister Rodriguez on Black History Month
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
(media only), please contact: Simon Ross, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, 819-997-7788; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]
Share this article