Mr. Speaker, Black History Month is dedicated to the recognition, learning and celebration of black history in North America.
It started in the United States in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson. The celebration of Black History Month in Canada first gained acceptance in the 1960s as awareness among black Canadians of their contributions to Canadian society was heightened as a result of the civil rights movement in the United States.
Since then the celebration of Black History Month has become an annual event in major Canadian cities. In December 1995 parliament passed a motion officially designating February as Black History Month.
Activities that take place during Black History Month are varied in both scope and nature. This month is an important part of preserving our heritage.
The heritage of black Canadians is evident in my own riding of Essex by the North American Black Historical Museum, the Nazrey African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Walls Site to name a few.
Southwestern Ontario is an example of how slaves who sought haven contributed to the building of our great country.
This month is an opportunity to remember and celebrate the contribution of black Canadians to the building of Canada.