From the Editor: February: Canada's 'Black History Month'

n the last issue of the Newsletter, we indicated that one of MARL's strong points was her growing capacity to partner with like-minded, not-for-profit, non-governmental organizations. This past February, MARL was, once again, active in numerous activities that marked the month-long 'Black History Month' in Manitoba. At the opening ceremonies, we were formally recognized and counted among supporting associations.

Does this surprise anyone? I hope not. For although lacking MARL's resources of manpower and social clout, the Black History Month Organizing Committee undoubtedly and unequivocally shares MARL's ideals and objectives: the defense of human rights and civil liberties, among others. Needless to say that in Canada as almost everywhere else, 'Black History' is synonymous with the struggle for human rights, human equality, anti-racism -values for which we at MARL constantly stand on guard. Ideally, all members of the Black History Month Organizing Committee should belong to MARL and vice-versa.

For, 'Black History Month' is not only about the litany of oppressions and discriminations of which Blacks have been victims. It is becoming more and more a celebration of Black people's achievements and successes-not less spectacular for being little-known and easily forgotten. How many of us know for example, that Black presence in Canada pre-dates the Underground Railroad? How many of us remember the contributions of Blacks to the early days of our Province and others like Alberta, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland? How many of us remember the contribution of Blacks to our own organization? I was privileged recently to learn Canadian History from no less a personality than a Director General in the Department of Canadian Heritage in Ottawa. She had this to say, among others:

"This year, 2006, marks 400 years since Mathieu Da Costa, the first recorded Black person to set foot in Canada, arrived on our shores.

… Mathieu Da Costa was a navigator and interpreter of African descent. History suggests he traveled extensively through out the Atlantic world in the late 1500s and early 1600s. His skills as an interpreter were sought after by the French and the Dutch to help them trade with Aboriginal people. Da Costa spoke many languages, including French, Dutch, Portuguese, and Basque.

In Canada, his skills were instrumental in bridging the cultural and linguistic gap between the early French explorers and the Mi'kmaq people.

In short-some 400 years ago-he demonstrated several truly Canadian characteristics that we still cherish today:

• He came from abroad to strengthen Canada.

• He worked hard to overcome differences for the sake of a common goal.

• And he was a pioneer who helped lay the groundwork of cooperation among people of different races to build a country where we all belong."

(Kristina Namiesnowski, DG Multiculturalism and Human Rights)

It is true that only 10 years ago, by an act of Parliament, February was designated "Black History Month" in Canada. There are other 'History Months': the "Aboriginal," the "Asian," etc. In the final analysis, Canadian history is the sum total of the Aboriginals, the Blacks, the Asians, Chinese, Europeans, etc., in Canada. 'Black History Month' is Canada is indeed 'Canadian History Month'. This point was made in February this year by the present Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism, Hon. Nancy Allan, in a ministerial proclamation in which she encouraged "all Manitobans … to reflect on the rich history and teachings of Blacks and bear witness to the progress, beauty and achievements they have made throughout our nation…"

We at MARL recall with pride that our founding President, late Dr. Ralph James, was also one of the pioneers of the Black History Month Organization Committee in Manitoba. Consequently, MARL and BHMOC are not just two "like-minded" Organizations. MARL is indeed part and parcel of 'Black History' in Manitoba.