Celebration event marks beginning of Black History Month in Ottawa

Black History Ottawa held a ceremony to mark the start of Black History Month in the capital. CTV’s Kimberley Johnson has the story.

A celebration was held to mark the launch of Black History Month in Ottawa on Sunday, drawing in hundreds to mark the occasion and observe an important milestone.

The celebration was hosted by Black History Ottawa at the Ottawa Conference and Events Centre, and the organization’s vice president, Jean-Marie Guerrier, says the group is also marking its 40^th year in the city.

“It is important for people to come and see Black Canadians in a positive way and to learn about the contributions they’ve made to the city and to Canada,” he says of the event.

Diana Addae with the Sankofa Cultural Troupe was invited to perform, she says when she dances, she feels connected to her Ghanaian culture.

“It’s not just connecting the Ghanaian community within the space,” she says. “There’s also the other African people from different African countries who all feel very much connected to this particular dance.”

“Showing your culture and everybody is smiling and everyone is connected. That feeling is indescribable.”

Addae and her partner have been dancing together for two years and she says performing on this particular stage is meaningful.

“Black History Month. It’s a time when we as Black people are able to come together and connect in oneness, in unity,” Addae said.

“It brings back memories of what our history was. It keeps us deeply rooted. It also makes us feel we are not forgotten.”

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe was on hand to officially proclaim February Black History Month. The event was also attended by several city councilors.

While OC Transpo unveiled its new bus artwork: a new mural titled “Pride of Dreams” will be displayed on three buses, featuring many notable people and symbols from the capital and Canadian history.

CTV News Ottawa anchor and reporter Stefan Keyes is one of the people featured on the mural. Keyes is an award-winning journalist who anchors CTV News at Five and CTV News at 11:30, and reports on breaking news on CTV News at Six. He is also an actor, vocalist, and volunteer.

• OC Transpo rolls out bus mural for Black History Month including CTV’s Stefan Keyes

Keyes says there are countless people in the city that could be featured on the wall – and to be chosen is “humbling.”

“It’s a huge honor. I love my city. I love my community. This is the place that raised me and made me and, it means a lot,” Keyes said. “Just an immense sense of gratitude.”

The event also launched a new commemorative coin by the Royal Mint, and three new stamps by Canada Post.

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