Thank you to the Markham African Caribbean Association for having me today! It was incredibly empowering to celebrate Black History Month with you all.

Black history is Canadian history. This month is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the important contributions Black Canadians have made to Markham and to communities across Canada.

Black History Month is an opportunity for all Canadians to reflect on our history, and the important contributions of Afro-Caribbean Canadians. As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recognized last year, “Black History is Canadian history” and as Canadians we must embrace our differences and diversity, because we are stronger because of them – not in spite of them.

Canada’s diversity represents our strength and our success. And our government is committed to battling the historic injustices faced by Black Canadians.

This year’s Black History Month campaign has a particular focus on Black Canadian youth. This is particularly important because we know that our youth of today shape our leaders of tomorrow.

The Community Support for Black Canadian Youth initiative is one of the many ways our government is making sure our youth have the support they need to succeed. By providing opportunities for youth, and by empowering them to recognize that their culture, history and identity is not a weakness, but a strength, we are creating opportunities for growth and leadership.