On February 4, at the invitation of the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages, USJE – National Equity Committee member Joe Brathwaite attended the Government of Canada’s annual Official Celebration of Black History Month.
The theme for 2026 is “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations-From nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries”. Minister Miller emphasized that:
“Black history is Canadian History and noted the progress made over the past 30 years in recognizing Black contributions to Canada.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney and former federal Minister Dr. Jean Augustine were among the various dignitaries to address those in attendance at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec.
The Prime Minister stated that the history of Black Canadians is one of “injustice met with resilience”.
Prime Minister Carney also highlighted that “Black Canadians have helped write every chapter of Canada’s story.” He thanked Dr. Jean Augustine for her leadership and the enduring legacy of her 1995 House of Commons initiative.
Dr. Jean Augustine was Canada’s first Black female Member of Parliament and the MP who successfully introduced legislation in the House of Commons recognizing February as Black History Month in Canada. At 89 years young, Dr. Augustine shared inspiring remarks celebrating 30 years of BHM in Canada.
As a USJE representative, Mr. Brathwaite participated in informal dialogues with a variety of elected officials, including the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, current Minister of Public Safety, and Ms. Marie-Claude Dandenault who serves as Deputy Commissioner in Specialized Policing Services, Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
As a leading public safety union, USJE is proud to celebrate the diversity of its membership, be a champion for meaningful public engagement of key elected officials and amplify issues of key concern on behalf of all of its members.