Premier David Eby has issued the following statement marking Black History Month:

“Black History Month is a time to honour, celebrate and reflect on the experiences and accomplishments of Black Canadians in British Columbia and across the country.

“People of African descent have been a part of this province since at least 1858 when the first of about 800 free African American people arrived in Victoria. Governor Sir James Douglas, whose father was Scottish and whose mother was a free woman of Barbadian-Creole ancestry, invited the Black community of San Francisco to move north to the colony of Vancouver Island on the promise of civil liberties and economic opportunity. When community members were barred from joining the volunteer fire department, they instead formed the colony’s first militia, the Victoria Pioneer Rifle Corps.

“From those beginnings, Black Canadians have made enormous contributions to our province. Emma Stark served as the first Black teacher on Vancouver Island, while William (Painless) Jones became the first licensed dentist in the province in 1886. That same year, Mifflin Wistar Gibbs was elected to Victoria City Council, becoming the first Black person to hold elected political office in the province.

“Black Canadians in British Columbia have made numerous contributions, from salmon canner John Sullivan Deas to lifeguard Seraphim Joe Fortes to track athlete and educator Barbara Howard to Olympic sprinter Harry Jerome to jazz singer Eleanor Collins to members of the legislative assembly, including Emery Barnes and Rosemary Brown. We should all feel pride in their accomplishments even as we acknowledge the unjust barriers Black people face in their daily lives.

“Our government is proud to work alongside the Black community across British Columbia to advance equity, preserve Black history and strengthen community well-being. Black community organizations play a vital role in protecting and sharing the cultural and historical contributions of their communities, helping to keep these stories visible and celebrated. They also promote inclusive, anti-racist education in schools while empowering youth through training and advocacy, amongst many other contributions.

“We remain committed to fighting all forms of anti-Black racism as we build a more just and equitable society for all. Learning more about Black history here and around the world enriches us all.”

Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care, said:

“Black History Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black people and communities in British Columbia and around the world. It’s also a chance to reflect, learn and honour the stories that continue to shape our province today. When we take time to learn from the past and celebrate the people who are building our communities now, we help strengthen understanding, respect and connection for everyone while standing up against racism and inequity. This month, we honour Black history and the lasting impact it continues to have in communities throughout B.C.”

Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives, said:

“Black History Month is not just a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black communities to B.C., it is also a chance to reflect on all we still have left to do. The Anti-Racism Action Plan, coming in June this year, is a road map to eradicating systemic racist barriers and will be informed by the needs and concerns of Black people in B.C. Our priority will always be making sure every single person in B.C. is treated with dignity, respect and empathy.”

George Anderson, MLA for Nanaimo-Lantzville, said:

“Black History Month provides an opportunity to celebrate those individuals who’ve overcome racial barriers to make meaningful and lasting contributions to British Columbia. As we recognize their accomplishments, it is also a reminder there is much more we must do to ensure everyone has the same opportunities, regardless of race or cultural background. This Black History Month, I encourage you to honour the fortitude and courage of those who walked before us by working to defeat racism in B.C and beyond.”