Residents encouraged to recognize Black History Month

DAN CEARNS, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: This month, across Canada, people are celebrating Black History Month.

During a budget session, on Tuesday, February 2nd, Kawartha Lakes Mayor Andy Letham talked about the importance of recognizing Black History Month, and how Kawartha Lakes is looking to change, to be more inclusive.

“Although it seems this year is already moving quickly, it’s important, over the next few weeks, we take a moment to pause and reflect in recognition of Black History Month. This month is about educating ourselves, by recognizing the ways in which Black communities have been a part of shaping our heritage and identity,” he announced. “It’s about honouring the contributions Black History has made, and it’s about acknowledging the resilience and determination [which] can be seen across the country, to continue to work towards a more inclusive and diverse world. Here in Kawartha Lakes, we are currently developing a Community Safety and Well-Being plan, an initiative [which] will focus on the unique needs of our residents and help ensure everyone has access to the resources they require and rely on. It’s about working together to understand, further, the risks [which] currently exist, and developing partnerships across the city to be able to respond appropriately.”

This year’s Black History Month theme is “The future is now.”

Black History Month was first proclaimed in Canada by the City of Toronto in 1979. In 1993, February was declared Black History Month across Ontario. In December 1995, Black History Month was recognized in the Canadian House of Commons.