Premier David Eby has issued the following statement marking Black Excellence Day:

“Black people and communities make contributions to the well-being of British Columbia every day of the year. On the fifth Black Excellence Day marked by the province, we celebrate the achievements and rich history of Black Canadians. Since at least 1858, Black communities and people of African descent have shaped the province in which we live today.

“The term ‘Black Excellence’ emerged from the American civil rights movement of the 1960s. The date chosen to recognize Black Excellence Day also honours the birthdate of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“Black people have helped build the British Columbia we all enjoy today. However, all too often those contributions have been overlooked or gone unrecognized. As we plan the future of our beautiful province, it is essential all voices are heard and represented in the shaping of policy. That is especially true for those from communities who have historically been marginalized.

“Black Excellence Day is an opportunity for all of us to learn more about Black role models in our shared history. It is also a timely moment to acknowledge those working toward making our province more inclusive, to the benefit of us all.”

Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care, said:
“Black Excellence Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements, leadership and contributions of the Black community. Black excellence shows up in so many ways — in culture, creativity, innovation and community care – and it strengthens our province every day. This is also a moment to recognize the importance of learning spaces where young people can see themselves and build confidence in who they are. Today, we celebrate Black excellence and the bright futures being shaped in schools, child care centres and communities throughout B.C.”

Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives, said:
“Black Excellence Day is an opportunity for us to honour the resilience, achievements and rich heritage of Black people in British Columbia. Despite a long history of building and contributing to B.C., Black communities continue to face systemic barriers that limit their ability to thrive. The Province is engaging directly with Black communities to ensure that their needs are reflected in the Anti-Racism Action Plan, set to be released this June. The plan will lay out clear, concrete steps public bodies must take to remove systemic barriers for racialized people in B.C. Today, we celebrate Black excellence and call on all British Columbians to uplift Black voices, stories and experiences, as we work to build a province where everyone is seen, valued and empowered.”