BURNABY—This year, Black History Month comes at a critical moment for human rights and equality in North America. The police shooting of Michael Brown, a young African American teenager, in Ferguson, Missouri, and similar incidents involving police violence against people of African descent in New York, Toronto and elsewhere have only heightened unrest, thrusting the issues of anti-black violence, systemic racism, and discrimination into the public spotlight.
These recent events will certainly be a topic of discussion at the upcoming National Human Rights Conference, taking place during Black History Month (February 5-9) in Winnipeg. CUPE BC stands in solidarity with people of African descent in this province, the rest of Canada, and around the world in their pursuit of justice and equality.
During Black History Month, it is also important that we celebrate the contributions made by people of African descent to our union, our country, and the world. On Saturday, February 21, CUPE BC’s Committee Against Racism and Discrimination, in conjunction with its Workers of Colour Working Group and several CUPE locals, will be holding a special event celebrating Vancouver’s first black community in the historic Strathcona neighbourhood, also known as Hogan’s Alley. At the event, a variety of performers and speakers will highlight the vibrant culture of the community and its contribution to the city at large.
For more information, please see the event programme.
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