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February 4, 2009
We celebrate Black History Month to remember and make people aware of the long march made by women and men—some famous, but most unknown—striving for the same ideal, pursuing a single goal: inclusion, that legitimacy that gives every woman, man and child the opportunity to distinguish themselves through their unique contribution to the world and not through the colour of their skin.
This year, we are reflecting on this journey—a journey that bears witness to Black people’s fight for freedom, emancipation and the full recognition of their rights—just a few days after a major victory: the inauguration of Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States to take office and the first of African descent.
We find ourselves in a new situation—one so clearing taking place among our neighbours and friends to the south—that transcends borders and has an unprecedented, global significance. A new chapter in the history of civilizations is being written before our very eyes, fulfilling the wishes of people from every background and creed, people who, today as yesterday, are dreaming of and working towards building a more just and more human world that is free from the throes of racism.
This new chapter, which we welcome like a wave of hope that fills our hearts, will progressively unfold only if we continue to work in our communities and around the world to fight the tensions born of prejudice that harm humanity. We must remain vigilant and pursue our hope that all human beings will at last find their place at the centre of the systems they have created, for the good of us all.
Michaëlle Jean
-30-
Media Information:
Marie-Ève Létourneau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-0287
www.gg.ca
www.citizenvoices.gg.ca