Thank you to my colleague the Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity for her incredibly powerful words—and I truly can’t say it better myself here.

I am both humbled and appreciative for the opportunity to rise in the House today to celebrate Black History Month.

Black history is Ontario’s history. During Black History Month, we take time to pause, to recognize and celebrate Black history, culture and individuals whose achievements have played a vital role in making Ontario what it is today.

From the arts and sciences to sports, medicine, business and politics, Ontario has been home to generations of Black leaders who excelled in every field in communities right across our great province—as said earlier, from Lincoln Alexander to Jean Augustine, the first Black man and woman to be elected to the House of Commons and to serve in cabinet; to Doug Salmon, the first Black surgeon in our country; to Wes Hall, a renowned innovator, entrepreneur and philanthropist; to Tajon Buchanan, Derek Cornelius, Jonathan David, Junior Hoilett, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Cyle Larin, Richie Laryea, Kamal Miller and Dayne St. Clair from the men’s national soccer team who proudly represented our nation on the world stage last year at the FIFA World Cup.

Looking around this room and in this Parliament, we have remarkable Black leaders on both sides of the aisle, including my government colleagues the associate minister from Brampton Centre and the members from Ajax and Scarborough Centre. Collectively, these members have served their communities in many different ways over the years and continue to use their voice to advocate for their constituents, for Black communities and for the people of Ontario here at Queen’s Park.

These are just some examples of Black Ontarians who have inspired their communities, myself and people across our great province.

But as the associate minister said earlier, there are also many who are not well known, yet whose quiet but mighty contributions have made a big difference in the lives of those around them and in their communities; for example, organizations like the Early Childhood Development Initiative in my riding of York South-Weston, who are doing incredible work to support Black children and families in our communities—and I was proud to have them in the Legislature today.

There is an organization in Windsor that is connecting Black youth to academic supports, career exploration and mental health resources.

There are historical societies that are actively preserving and showcasing the stories of Black Ontarians, from their journey to Ontario and their lived experiences upon arrival.

I also know an organization in Ottawa that is empowering Black entrepreneurs through mentorship, networking and supports.

Ontario’s strength is in our diversity. Ontario is stronger because of the hard work, dedication and resilience that Black Ontarians have shown and continue to show each and every day.

The theme of this year’s Black History Month is “Ours to Tell.” While we take pride in the many ways Black Ontarians have strengthened communities, schools, workplaces and all aspects of society, we have the responsibility to listen, learn and further our collective understanding of Black history and the lived experiences of Black Ontarians, both past and in the present.

Today, challenges and barriers that Black Ontarians face are still ever-present, and it’s important that we as a province and a society acknowledge that anti-Black racism and injustice still exist today.

There remains much more to do and much more to learn, but our government and I stand shoulder to shoulder with Ontario’s Black communities, to move forward and continue the ongoing work to recover, build bridges and fight anti-Black racism head-on, not just throughout Black History Month, but every day. The work does not stop on February 28.

Let us all recommit ourselves to being allies and partners in supporting the Black community, now and well into the future. I know that when we work together, we can do anything. Together, we will build a stronger Ontario and a better and brighter future not just for Black Ontarians, but for all Ontarians.