Thursday, February 1, marks the start of Black History Month, an internationally recognized annual celebration designed to highlight and honour the actions, achievements and contributions of Black people around the world.

At the request of the Ministerial Committee on Anti-Racism, Confederation Building will be lit in red, yellow and green, the official colours of Black History Month, on the night of Friday, February 2, and throughout the weekend.

The Black communities of Newfoundland and Labrador continue to add to a rich history of significant cultural, social and economic contributions to the province. To learn more about black history in our province, you can access an exhibit that was featured at The Rooms, online at www.therooms.ca/exhibits/past-exhibit/what-carries-us-newfoundland-and-labrador-in-the-black-atlantic.

Recognizing February as Black History Month is just one small step in addressing, and ultimately ending, the systemic discrimination and racism towards Black people and other marginalized groups in our communities. The Ministerial Committee on Anti-Racism is committed to working with Black communities, organizations and individuals to take more steps toward this goal by standing against anti-black racism, eliminating inequities, empowering communities and changing attitudes by building awareness.

Sincerely:
Honourable Gerry Byrne
Minister of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills

Honourable Lisa Dempster
Minister Responsible for Indigenous Affairs and Reconciliation

Honourable Krista Lynn Howell
Minister of Education

Honourable John Hogan
Minister of Justice and Public Safety

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