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

“Black History Month is an important annual celebration of the accomplishments and contributions made by Canadians of African and Caribbean ancestry.

“B.C. has been a long time home and sanctuary to black communities who continue to contribute to all areas of the province.

“We recognize valuable accomplishments in B.C. politics made by black British Columbians like 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.”