Diversity empowering

It’s been nearly eight months since marches protesting racial discrimination — first galvanized by George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police officers in late May — brought thousands out in communities across this country, including Charlottetown.

Their rallying cry, that Black Lives Matter, spoke to the brutal reality that for too long, in both Canada and the U.S., the deadly violence, prejudice and injustice directed at Black people has been ignored, and many times condoned, by white-dominated society.

The phrase — so often misinterpreted, at times wilfully, as ignoring other lives — is meant to be a powerful, outspoken reminder that Black lives matter, TOO.

This month, we celebrate the first Black History Month (African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia) since last summer’s public calls for racial justice and an end to discrimination.

It’s both a timely reminder to remember, and an opportunity to learn about and explore, the rich cultural background — including the many achievements and contributions of countless individuals — of our fellow citizens with a proud African and Caribbean heritage.

This year marks a quarter century since Canada, through an act of Parliament in December, 1995, officially named February as Black History Month. The first so designated was observed in 1996.

In Nova Scotia, Black History Month was first recognized even earlier, in 1988.

Our provinces are, after all, collections of many people. But the stories of who we are have often been dominated by the cultural backgrounds of the majorities in any place, such as the Scots or Irish, for example.

Our provinces’ histories are so much more complex, and thus so much more fascinating, than that.

This month, all of us can gain — by reading about, watching or participating in, even virtually, the various events being put on across the Atlantic region — a deeper understanding of an important culture that helps make up the kaleidoscope of people who call our region home.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has, of course, forced planners of this year’s Black History Month/African Heritage Month to make accommodations, to ensure everyone stays safe.

But there will still be a busy calendar of things to do and see to mark the month.

After the emotional tumult of 2020’s demonstrations and marches for an end to racial injustice, this February it’s more important than ever to recognize the contribution and accomplishments of Black individuals and communities across Atlantic Canada and to help celebrate our diverse heritage.