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Feb. 7, 2023

Legislative Assembly of Alberta to celebrate Black History Month

Feb 6, 2023 | 3:15 PM

On Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at 12:15 p.m., Albertans are invited to join the Honourable Nathan Cooper, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, to recognize Black History Month in the Legislature rotunda.

The theme this year is Celebrating Black Youth.

“Black History Month provides Albertans with the opportunity to learn and to share the stories and experiences of Black people in our province. It is also a time to celebrate the contributions of Alberta’s Black community,” says the Honourable Nathan Cooper, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta.

“As we celebrate yet another Black History Month, I offer my deepest and sincere thanks to those early Black pioneers who paved the way for us all. Pioneers such as John Ware, Hatti Melton, Violet King Henry, and Eleanor Collins were a few examples of early Black Albertans who settled in Black communities such as Junkins (now known as Wildwood), Keystone (now Breton), Campsie (now Barrhead), and Pine Creek (later known as Amber Valley). I want to thank the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, the Honourable Nathan Cooper, for hosting this year’s Black History Month celebration. Happy Black History Month Celebration Alberta,” adds the Honourable Kaycee Madu, KC, ECA, Deputy Premier and Minister of Skilled Trades and Professions.

“The history and legacy of Black Albertans are rich and diverse. Even more so, are the lives and stories of Black Albertans today as their presence in and contributions to our province continue to grow. And as we recognize those who’ve blazed the trail we walk today, this year, we also celebrate the Black youth who will be a key part of forging Alberta’s future,” shares David Shepherd, MLA for Edmonton-City Centre.

Provincial officials say this event is open to the public and will include performances by vocalist Timothy Noel and spoken word artist Charlee Queen XO.

Remarks will also be made by Her Honour the Honourable Salma Lakhani, AOE, BSc, LLD (Hon), Lieutenant Governor of Alberta; the Honourable Kaycee Madu, ECA, KC, Deputy Premier of Alberta; MLA David Shepherd, on behalf of the Leader of the Official Opposition; and Sarah Adomako-Ansah, cofounder of the Black Teachers Association.

The event will also be live streamed on assembly.ab.ca, and the Legislative Assembly’s Twitter, Facebook and YouTube channels.