Black History Month Kicks Off
THUNDER BAY – February is Black History Month. Governor General David Johnson states, “History provides us with invaluable context to help us make informed choices as individuals and as a society. The triumphs and challenges of our forebears lay the foundation for Canada’s ongoing evolution. As we strive to become the smarter and more caring nation of which we dream, we must also be careful not to distort the past, nor allow ourselves to become unduly beholden to it”.
“Black History Month serves a two-fold purpose: to look back on the achievements and contributions of Black Canadians; and to acknowledge that Black history is Canadian history—inextricably linked to every citizen across the land and essential to Canada’s future,” adds Johnson.
In Thunder Bay, Black History Month kicked off with a Gala at the Italian Cultural Centre on Algoma Street.
As a part of the evenings festivities, in addition to an amazing meal, music, and dancing, there were awards handed out for some of the hard-working members of the community.
Hardworking Volunteers Recognized
Michelle Lander, from the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association, a director at Youth Centres Thunder Bay, and a driving force behind the ever popular Folklore Festival as well as a Director at the North Superior Workforce Planning Board was one of the people recognised.
Lander shared, “I am honoured to have received the award for things I so much I enjoy doing/ The concept it takes a village to raise a child is something I grew up with and learned from from my great grandmother.”
“It not just about a child,” adds Lander. “It can be a neighbour or neighbourhood, an organization, or a great project. Volunteering your time uplifts your soul andwith that said, even though I operate like a one-man-army, I could not do all that I do by myself, so I share this award.”
“Family first, my boys for puting up with me never ending meetings. They make me so proud. With Moffatt my mentor, and the past generation of RMYC, and the new generation growing Daniel Voss and Nathan Ogden, my work family board and staff; Sue Komoski-Taniwa, Neena Lamba, Cathy Nummikoski-Woodbeck, Niny Martinez.”
“And all the others Youth TBay ensuring safe space for at risk youth and Colleen Peters. If you looking for a project to get involved with this is it!” (Link: www.youthtbay.ca)
Lander also thanked past CAMAC Board members “The ones I call my segregate parents, my Yummy Mummy Crew, Annissea Hopkins my BFF, and Dianna Atkinson and the next generation of CAMAT”.
Thunder Bay has an ever diverse and multicultural mosaic, and our city is far better and stronger for it!
