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

“Each year in February, we celebrate the achievements of Canadians of African and Caribbean ancestry. Black History Month is an opportunity for all Canadians to acknowledge the rich history and continuing contributions of black British Columbians.

“B.C. New Democrats are especially proud to celebrate the contributions of black parliamentarians in British Columbia. Emery Barnes was the first black speaker of a provincial legislature, and Rosemary Brown was the first black woman elected as an MLA in any province. Both stood in the legislature to champion issues of social justice, human rights, and poverty.

“It is these contributions, and many others both historic and contemporary, that have allowed B.C. to become the strong and diverse community that it is today.

“Black History Month is also a reminder that Canadians need to stand strong together against divisive forces in our communities and celebrate diversity as a key value in our society and our democracy.

“On behalf of the B.C. New Democrats, we would like to send our support and best wishes to those celebrating Black History Month.”