Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise on behalf of my caucus colleagues in the NDP in celebration of the black excellence and contribution to Canada of the African diaspora and her descendants.
To those who blazed the trails we followed, I would like to personally thank the likes of the Hon. Lincoln Alexander, the Hon. Jean Augustine, Howard McCurdy, Rosemary Brown and Celina Caesar-Chavannes.
Let it be recorded that Canadians of African descent are in fact all living histories, each an example of the resilience and perseverance of our ancestors, and the present-day embodiment of freedom seekers. Let the record also show our deepest gratitude to those from all backgrounds who continue the proud abolitionist history of Canada to end racism in all of its pernicious forms.
From The Skin We're In by Desmond Cole to Policing Black Lives by Robyn Maynard to Until We Are Free by Black Lives Matter Toronto, our history continues to be written. However, the question remains, is Canada ready for it to be read?