Statement by Premier Dennis King for Black History Month

image of a group of people standing shoulder to shoulder holding a flag before it is raised up a flagpole

(L-R) Thilak Tennekone, Tanya Rowell, Minister Jenn Redmond, Tamara Steele, Vanessa Wachuku, Jasonique Moss, and Reequal Smith

Hon. Dennis King, Premier of Prince Edward Island issued the following statement for Black History Month.

“February is Black History Month. It is an opportunity to learn about, celebrate and honour the achievements and contributions of Black people throughout our shared history, both in PEI and worldwide.

The first Black Islanders were brought as slaves in the 18th century by Loyalists. When they were free, they settled in The Bog, a former neighbourhood in the west end of Charlottetown around 1810. The community grew to 200 members and most residents worked domestic or labor-intensive jobs. Black people have contributed much to the Island.

The Government of PEI is committed to supporting the Black community through funding such as the Anti-Racism Grants and the Anti-Racism Microgrants to develop community-led anti-racism projects.

Last June, we launched an Anti-Racism Action Plan for Prince Edward Island 2023-2028. The plan aims to improve the social, economic, educational and health outcomes for racialized and Indigenous people living in in the province. The Anti-Racism Office continues to work across government leading the implementation of the plan.

The Department of Education and Early Years created the Black Women’s History Project, a resource for schools that contains lesson plans, videos, a timeline of Black Islander history, and materials to support teachers, focusing on Black women’s history in PEI.

The Black Cultural Society of PEI will be organizing various community events during Black History Month, including a film screening, luncheons, panel discussions, jam sessions and much more. This year’s theme is Community as the Way Forward.

I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to participate and learn more about the Black community in Prince Edward Island.”

For more information, visit: Black History Month events by the Black Cultural Society

For information, visit: Anti-Racism Table

For information, visit: Anti-Racism Office

Media contact:
Nicole Yeba
Bilingual Senior Communications Officer
Executive Council Office
ntyeba@gov.pe.ca

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premier@gov.pe.ca