Trudeau issues statement on Black History Month. Canadian Press

By Jayk Sterkenburg

CANADA

Trudeau issues statement on Black History Month to honour Black Canadians

Feb 1, 2025 | 10:29 AM

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement on Black History Month, on Feb. 1.

Trudeau said that today is an opportunity to honour the culture, resilience, and achievements of Black Canadians.

“In communities across Canada, Black leaders, scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, and activists have shaped our country’s history and continue to inspire its future,” he said.

“From the Underground Railroad, which brought freedom seekers to Canada, to trailblazers like Jean Augustine and Lincoln Alexander, Black Canadians have led the way in the fight for justice, innovation, and progress,” he added.

This year’s theme is ‘Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations’.

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Trudeau said that this reminds us that the stories of Black Canadians keep being written every day.

He said that the advocate pushing for racial equity, the entrepreneur building a thriving business, and the artist using their voice to drive change continue to shape Canada for the better.

“Black Canadians have faced – and continue to face – too many barriers,” he said.

“The Government of Canada extended its efforts under the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent until 2028 and welcomed the adoption of a second International Decade,” he added.

The International Decade spans from January 2025 to December 2034.

Trudeau said that this extension allows further investment in Black-led programs, advancement in racial justice, and creation of opportunities for Black Canadians.

“To date, we have committed over one billion dollars to Black-focused initiatives,” he said.

This includes the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative, which has supported over 2,700 projects to grow Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving charities and non-profit organizations.

“We developed Canada’s Black Justice Strategy to address systemic barriers and injustices by ending the overrepresentation of Black communities in the justice system,” he said.

“Through the Mental Health of Black Canadians Fund, we are supporting Black Canadians to develop more culturally focused knowledge, capacity, and programs to improve mental health in their communities,” he added.

“Through the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund and the Black Entrepreneurship Program, we are helping improve the social and economic outcomes of Black communities and helping Black-owned businesses grow and succeed now and into the future.”

Trudeau said that, on behalf of the Government of Canada, he encourages everyone to learn more about Black Canadian history and reflect on the challenges and accomplishments of Black Canadians.

“Let us recommit to building a country where every Canadian can succeed and have their voices heard.”