I want to thank my colleague the Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism, who is also going to be speaking about this very important topic.

I’m pleased to have the opportunity to recognize Black History Month in the House today. This is a time to celebrate the many contributions Black Ontarians have made to this great province and to have important conversations about issues affecting the Black community. I’ve been honoured to participate in numerous special events over the last few weeks to mark this month and bring greetings on behalf of our government. As a Black woman, Black MPP and Black member of cabinet, I am a voice for the community in my constituency, here in the Legislature and across the province.

The Black community is an integral part of the rich cultural fabric of this province and of our history. In fact, this province is home to more than half of the total Black population in Canada. While close to half of Ontario’s Black population were born in Canada, the other half hail from an astounding 150 different countries. What an incredible wealth of diversity this brings—from art and storytelling to music and dance, to food, traditions, history and academia, and so much more. African Canadian culture has truly contributed to Ontario’s cultural fabric at large. That is something we should be very proud of.

For the Black Ontarians born here, their perspectives are just as valuable. Whether descended from past immigrants who made the journey to this province from around the world or descended from the former slaves who found freedom here after arriving via the Underground Railroad, all are a part of our history and contribute to making Ontario the vibrant place that it is today.

Like my family, many Black people immigrated to Canada seeking employment opportunities and a chance to put roots down in this beautiful country and province we all call home.

As we reflect on the contributions Black Ontarians have made to this province, the examples are countless. There are, of course, the well-known icons, such as the Honourable Lincoln Alexander or Michael Lutrell, a.k.a. “Pinball” Clemons, for instance. But there are also many who are not well known. Yet those quiet contributions have made a difference in the lives of those around them and in their communities, like Myrna Adams, VP of CARP and seniors’ advocate, or Quentin VerCetty, a multi-award-winning Afrofuturist artist responsible for the bust of the Honourable Lincoln Alexander.

From Black youth workers and mentors to coaches and educators, to community volunteers and caregivers, there are a host of role models in communities across the province who are setting strong examples and inspiring Black children and youth each day, like Skye and Orlando Bowen, a power couple advocating for equity and inclusion and elevating the voices of youth, or Obioma Dike, who supports young people along their entire apprenticeship journey to ensure they are successful.

As we recognize all of these contributions, Black History Month is also a time to reflect on the injustices and inequities the community has faced throughout history, some of which continue to this day. Acknowledging that there is still a lot of work to be done in this province to overcome racism and discrimination is an important step to achieving equity for all Ontarians.

I am proud of the work our government is doing to combat racism and hate and remove barriers to create an equitable Ontario.

As the Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, I see first-hand the barriers that many women face in achieving financial independence—and these barriers are even greater for Black women.

Mr. Speaker, as we near the end of Black History Month, I encourage all Ontarians to join members of this House in paying tribute to our fellow Black Ontarians. We do have much to celebrate. But we also must renew our individual and professional commitments to removing barriers so we can create an equitable Ontario that celebrates our differences and our vibrant communities.

Instead of seeing differences as a hindrance, we must draw strength from our different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Because when we work together, we are stronger.

I am a Black woman in a leadership role with a voice at the table. I am an example of what can happen when people are given opportunities.

I thank the Premier for his leadership and commitment to seeing this government reflect our province.

To every young Black person watching this today: If you can see me, you can be me. You are strong, and your voice is important, and you are powerful beyond measure.

Happy Black History Month.