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STATEMENT | |
For Immediate Release 2025AG0005-000061 Feb. 1, 2025 |
Office of the Premier Ministry of Attorney General Ministry of Education and Child Care |
Premier’s, minister’s, parliamentary secretaries’ statements on Black History Month | |
VICTORIA – Premier David Eby has issued the following statement celebrating Black History Month: “Black History Month is an opportunity for us all to learn about and celebrate the many and diverse contributions of Black people to our province. “In 1858, more than 800 Black settlers came north from California to Vancouver Island on the invitation of colonial governor James Douglas. They were promised equality under the law, as well as the right to vote and purchase property. Some settlers formed the Victoria Pioneer Rifle Corps, an all-Black police force. “One of the settlers, Mifflin Gibbs, was elected to Victoria council eight years later, becoming the first Black person to hold public office in British Columbia. He was a prominent voice in favour of the colony joining the Canadian Confederation. More than a century later, social worker Rosemary Brown became the first Black woman to be elected to the B.C. legislature. Emery Barnes, a former professional football player with the B.C. Lions, served as the province’s first Black Speaker of the legislative assembly. “A Black presence has been a constant in the province’s history, including descendants of the original immigrants. From salmon canner John Sullivan Deas to Emma Stark’s contributions as a school teacher to Seraphim Joe Fortes’ celebrated lifesaving to Barbara Howard on the track in the 1930s to Harry Jerome on the track in the 1960s to Eleanor Collins becoming the first Black entertainer in Canada to host her own national television program, the rich and varied achievements of Black British Columbians have helped make the province the place it is today. “We should all feel pride in these accomplishments, while acknowledging the unjust barriers Black people face in their daily lives. Government is working to build an inclusive province where everyone feels they belong, as we build a more just and equitable society for all. Taking part in Black History Month enriches everyone.” Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care, said: Jessie Sunner, parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives, said: George Anderson, parliamentary secretary for transit, said: |
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Contact: | |
Office of the Premier Media Relations premier.media@gov.bc.ca |