'February and Forever': The hope is Black History awareness goes beyond 28 days
CTV
London West MP Arielle Kayabaga is one of those being recognized in her hometown as Black History month celebrations begin.
London West MP Arielle Kayabaga is one of those being recognized in her hometown as Black History month celebrations begin.
'It is my first Black History Month in Parliament," says Kayabaga from her place in Ottawa, Ont.
Kayabaga is the first Black woman from London, Ont. to win elections at both the federal and municipal level.
In a virtual opening ceremony Saturday, the London Black History Coordinating Committee (LBHCC) celebrated its 20th anniversary.
"This year our focus is respecting the past, embracing the present and impacting the future," says Leroy Hibbert, member of the LBHCC.
From the past, they celebrate James Jenkins, who started the Dawn of Tomorrow, the first news publication for Black people in London, and Jean Augustine, the first Black women to be a Member of Parliament.
Other notable Londoners right now include Damian Warner is the reigning Decathlon gold medallist, Jackie Schleifer-Taylor is the CEO of London Health Sciences Centre and Kayabaga is representing London West in Parliament.
