Prince Edward Island celebrates Black History Month
The lives and contributions of Black Islanders will be profiled across the province during Black History Month.
The provincial government is pleased to provide funding to the Black Cultural Society to host panel discussions on community building, socials with music and food, youth activities and music events.
“I encourage Islanders to participate in these activities which celebrate diversity and the contributions that Black Islanders have made, and continue to make, to our province,” said Education, Early Learning and Culture Minister Jordan Brown. “Black Islanders have had an important role in our history and we are fortunate to have new generations of Black Islanders living in our province.”
Libraries across the Island are celebrating Black history all month long with educational activities, such as Baraka crafts, African dance sessions, book displays and book club kits related to Black history.
“This month we celebrate the many ways Black Islanders have helped to shape our past, present and future,” Economic Development and Tourism Minister Chris Palmer said. “Island culture is growing ever more diverse and it is important that we recognize the many ways Black Islanders have helped to make Prince Edward Island what it is today, and how the ongoing contributions of this community are helping to shape our culture moving forward.”
“The Black Cultural Society of PEI is grateful to collaborate again this year with the Departments of Early Learning and Culture, and Economic Development and Tourism to produce a vast array of events for February's Black History Month,” Black Cultural Society Vice-President Sarah Tamula said. “This year our theme is “Black Migration”, emphasizing ‘the movement of people of African descent to new destinations and subsequently to new social realities’. We are using this theme to discuss the history and experience of Black Islanders and, in a larger context, to delve into the cornerstones of a healthy and nurturing environment for the black community, as well as for the broader Island community. A key element to our events is highlighting the incredible and diverse talents of the black community on the Island, bringing everyone together in celebration of this diversity,” Tamula said
Over the month of February, the provincial government will share profiles of Black Islanders who are making significant contributions to our provincial economy, our cultural identity, and to our quality of life. The profiles will be shared on the government website and social media channels.
Media contact:
Andrew Sprague
Department of Economic Development and Tourism
902-368-5535
asgsprague@gov.pe.ca