Statement from Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter to Honour February 2023 as Black History Month in Oshawa
Today marks the beginning of Black History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements and resilience of Black communities and to reflect on their role in shaping Canada’s culture and history.
The stories of Black Canadians are an integral part of our country’s and our city’s heritage. I encourage everyone to take some time this month to learn more about these stories, not only to honour the contributions of Black Canadians to our society, but also to better understand how this history informs our present.
The legacy of historic racism and discrimination continues to be felt today as many members of Black communities still experience barriers to inclusion that take the forms of violence, oppression and harassment. We recognize that it is not enough to acknowledge past injustices and the ongoing impacts of anti-Black racism. We must also commit to meaningful action to combat discrimination and better support Black residents.
As part of this commitment, City Council approved an Anti-Racism Motion, publicly condemning racism and all acts of racist acts of violence. Within the corporation, we have continued to deliver anti-racism training to staff and to solicit feedback on initiatives from the diverse voices on the Community Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee.
We know there is much work ahead of us. We look forward to continuing to advance anti-racist initiatives, dismantling barriers to participation, and to centering the experiences, both past and present, of Black communities as we work towards a more inclusive and equitable future.
I look forward to continuing to celebrate the diverse Black cultures and community members in Oshawa today, and every day.