Montreal kicked off Black History Month with a vibrant soirée, honoring achievements and contributions of the Black community.
Montreal: The 34th Black History Month is here, and it started with a bang! The opening soirée at city hall was a fantastic way to kick things off.
Michael Farkas, the president of the Round Table on Black History Month, shared how important this month is. He emphasized celebrating the achievements of Black individuals over the years.
The Roundtable is a non-profit that promotes activities highlighting the rich history of Black communities. They focus on both historical and modern aspects.
Every year, they release a free calendar featuring 12 honorees, each representing a month. This year’s theme is “All That We Carry,” which reflects on the journey and legacy of the Black community.
Farkas explained that this theme is about embracing both the good and the bad, recognizing our connection to Mother Earth and each other.
During the soirée, the 12 laureates had the chance to sign the city’s official guest book, the Livre d’Or, in front of Montreal’s Mayor Valérie Plante.
Joel Campbell, one of the honorees, expressed his gratitude for the recognition. He said it’s a huge honor to be acknowledged for his work in the community.
Vanessa Kanga, another laureate, shared her journey from Africa to Canada. She was thrilled to be recognized for her efforts in creating a cultural platform for others.
Farkas highlighted the importance of Black History Month, noting that much of Black history has been overlooked. He believes it’s crucial to uplift this knowledge and celebrate contributions throughout the year.
Others echoed this sentiment, saying that Black History Month should be a starting point for ongoing recognition and appreciation of Black contributions to society.
This year, there are over 160 activities planned, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy and learn from.
