VICTORIA ─ New Democrat Leader, John Horgan and multiculturalism spokesperson MLA Bruce Ralston  issued the following statement today celebrating Black History Month in Canada.

“February is a time when Canadians observe Black History Month, an important annual celebration of the accomplishments and contributions of Canadians who have ancestry from the African and Caribbean diasporas.

“B.C. has long been a home and sanctuary to Black communities who continue to make important contributions to the British Columbia of today.

‎“In particular we recognize the valuable contributions to society made by Black British Columbians such as Emery Barnes and Rosemary Brown. Both were elected to the B.C. legislature and were champions of issues related to social justice, human rights and poverty.

“Barnes was the first Black speaker of a provincial legislature and Brown, was the first black women elected as MLA in any province.

“Both opened doors for others to pass through, and we honour their legacies.

“On behalf of the B.C. New Democrats we send our support and best wishes for Black History Month in Canada.”