Local politicians speak on Black History Month

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“Black people were largely omitted from the social studies of my generation. They have for a long time appeared without a historical context, thus our value and perspective isn’t as full or rich as what it could be,” says Johnston.

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“Black History Month is a reminder to latch onto the real stories, understand the culture folks have come from, and appreciate how Black Canadians and Red Deerians have helped build this province. They are enriching our city every day.”

Asked which actions the City is taking in addition to simply proclaiming Black History Month, Johnston notes the City’s diversity manager who provides education to employees and council.

He’ll also be speaking at the upcoming CommUnity: Power of One event, Johnston points out.

“Mayor and council can set a welcoming and respectful tone in the community. It takes time to broaden a city perspective, but politically, you can certainly expect me as mayor to get involved in initiatives,” says Johnston. “We had multiple Black candidates in the recent municipal election, and I’ve encouraged them to keep at it, and I’m working with them.”

READ MORE: Special Series-Growing up Black in Lacombe: A Black History Month story

What about reparations, he’s asked.

Last March, Evanston, Illinois became the first US. city to make reparation payments to Black residents through a $400,000 fund that pays for home repairs or down payments. Other have urged the U.S. government to make much larger payments.

“Any time we fund volunteer efforts, cultural events, grants, we certainly don’t base it on being under a certain ethnicity. We pride ourselves on a fair business-based approach rather than a racial approach. You’re bringing up a point I’ve heard discussed from time to time, and cities are part of the larger broader government,” Johnston says.

“When you look at reparations to be argued for by several groups that were taken advantage of over the years, I think about Chinese immigrants laying the railway, how we treated the Indigenous community, the list goes on. It’s a broader question for governments and society itself, and for citizens to come to grips with.”

In October 2006, the Canadian government began redress payments for surviving members of the Chinese Canadian community previously forced to pay a head tax. Prime Minister Stephen Harper issued an apology in the House of Commons.

Earlier this month, the feds reached a $31.5 billion deal to compensate the families of Indigenous children stolen from their homes. Harper also apologized for residential schools in 2008.

Calls have grown in recent years for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to issue a similar apology and make reparation commitments to Black people.

Johnston says he’s comfortable with the City’s, “good, fair and open process.”

rdnewsNOW asked Johnston how the City can better follow through on commitments, noting the 2017 protocol with Urban Aboriginal Voices Society as an area where improvements could be made.

“How do we make good, if you will, on things we sit down and agree on? It’s about commitment, what we value, and I think the community looks at me and council as folks they can trust. I would say to any group that your mayor ran on a trust ballot and I’m going to deliver. I was part of that protocol, so it’s hardly a piece of work I want to put on a shelf. It won’t be in my term,” he says.

“I’ve met with a few folks from the Black community on some issues and opportunities I think they could take advantage of. As for the proclamation, it’s not very meaningful unless we dig in and get involved in the community.”

rdnewsNOW also reached out to Alberta Culture Minister, Lacombe Ponoka MLA Ron Orr, who provided the following statement:

“Black History Month is a time to highlight and celebrate the unique history, arts, and culture of Black Albertans. The Black community has contributed so much to our province’s cultural vibrancy and economic prosperity. It is also important that we recognize these significant and important contributions every day of the year.”

Statement from Premier Jason Kenney on Black History Month:

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney provided a statement on Black History Month Tuesday afternoon.

The Alberta Legislature is hosting a virtual Black History Month event on Wednesday, Feb. 2.

Miss part one of our three-part special series on Black History Month? Check it out HERE.