Edmonton – The Honourable Nathan Cooper, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, will host a virtual celebration of Black History Month on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at 12:15 p.m. from the Legislature rotunda. The theme for this year’s
event is the rise and empowerment of Black business owners and entrepreneurs in Alberta.
“Black History Month is a chance to honour, recognize and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of early Black settlers to Alberta and the leaders of today, who continue to empower and inspire our communities,” explained Speaker
Cooper. “It is vital that we recognize the significant contributions of Black and BIPOC business owners and entrepreneurs to Alberta’s economy.”
The program will include remarks from Honourable Ronald Orr, MLA for Lacombe-Ponoka and Minister of Culture, on behalf of the Premier of Alberta and Mr. David Shepherd, MLA for Edmonton-City Centre, on behalf of the Leader of the Official Opposition.
The event will also include guest speaker Jon M. Cornish, CFA, Co-founder, Board Chairperson and President of the Calgary Black Chambers and former running back for the Calgary Stampeders. It will also feature performances by rap artist OG Jonah and
singer Riwo Egor. The Children from the African and African Descendants Friendship Club of St. Albert will sing O Canada.
“Black History Month is a time to highlight and celebrate the unique history, arts, and culture of Black Albertans,” said Minister Orr. “The Black community has contributed so much to our province’s cultural vibrancy and economic
prosperity. It is also important that we recognize these significant and important contributions every day of the year.”
“The history of Black Albertans is rich and diverse, filled with stories of men and women who made a home here, stood up for civil rights and fought to make Alberta a better and more just place for all,” said MLA Shepherd. “I invite all Albertans to join us for this celebration of their legacy and all that Black Albertans continue to contribute to our province.”
The virtual event will be livestreamed on assembly.ab.ca as well as the Assembly’s
Twitter, Facebook and
YouTube. There will be no in-person public attendance. Media must register by emailing laocommunications@assembly.ab.ca
by Tuesday, February 1 at 4:30 p.m. to attend in person due to limited space. Media can access the livestream or request a download link following the event.
Photos will be uploaded to flickr.com/photos/legassemblyofab/ following the event.
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