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Thomas D’Arcy McGee Building
90 Sparks Street, Suite 512
Ottawa, ON K1P 5B4
(613) 998-8653

Black History Month/ Chinese New Year

In December 1995, following a motion introduced by the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine, M.P. of Etobicoke-Lakeshore, the Parliament of Canada officially recognized February as Black History Month. The House of Commons carried the motion unanimously.

Black History Month is an opportunity for each and every one of us to share and celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians, who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation we know today. It is also an opportunity for all of us to increase our knowledge of the experiences of Black Canadians in our society, and the vital role this community has played throughout our shared history.

The National Council of Visible Minorities (NCVM) is proud to applaud the efforts of the various departments and agencies planning Black History Month activities. I invite you all to take part in these festivities and activities that honour the legacy of Black Canadians. NCVM will be participating in a number of these events hosted both in the National Capital and other regions across the country.

I would also like to draw your attention to the fact that the Chinese New Year began on January 29th. As you may be aware, the Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon on the first day of the New Year and ends on the full moon 15 days later. The 15th day of the New Year is called the Lantern Festival. It is celebrated at night with lantern displays and children carrying lanterns in a parade. The Chinese calendar is based on a combination of lunar and solar movements. The Chinese New Year falls on a different date each year. This year is the Year of the Dog.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish our colleagues from the Chinese community a Happy New Year.

I encourage you to share in the celebrations of both Black History Month and the Chinese New Year.

Jacqueline Edwards
President, National Council of Visible Minorities

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