Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued the following statement today on World Day for African and Afro-descendant Culture:
“Today, on World Day for African and Afro-descendant Culture, we honor and celebrate the diverse and vibrant cultures of the African continent and the African diaspora around the world.
“People of African descent have shaped every aspect of life in Canada, contributing to our political, economic, scientific and social fabric. In science, they have made significant contributions that have changed our understanding of the world. In art, they have been inspired at their roots to create music, write poetry, and tell stories. And in the political realm, members of the black and Afro-descendant communities are leaders in advancing human rights, equity, and justice.
“In 2018, the Government of Canada adopted the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent to guide federal and international action to promote the economic, social, cultural, civil and political rights of people of African descent. The Decade, which runs from 2015 to 2024, focuses on the themes of recognition, justice and development We reaffirm our commitment to a whole-of-government approach to promote and strengthen the protection of the human rights of people of African descent, including through the development of policies and programs to guarantee the equality before the law, eradicate poverty and social exclusion, promote economic well-being, and address systemic racism, discrimination and xenophobia against blacks in public and private institutions.We also remain committed to working with African nations to promote the objectives of the Decade and to promote economic, social and cultural cooperation and n the entire continent.
“We still have work to do to achieve equality and equal opportunity. As Canadians, we must continue to fight racism and anti-black bias and build a world free of hate and discrimination. The Government of Canada supports Black and Afro-descendant communities across the country through programs like the Black Entrepreneurship Program, which supports Black Canadian business people and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and empower them to succeed. The Black-Led Philanthropic Endowment Fund is dedicated to supporting Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving charities and social organizations. Finally, as part of Canada’s renewed Anti-Racism Strategy, we will take concrete steps to combat systemic racism against black people and hate crimes and incidents against black and black communities in Canada.
“Today, on World Day for People of African Descent and Black Culture, we reflect on the progress we have made, and the work that remains, to celebrate Black cultures and end all forms of hate and discrimination here in Canada. I give welcome all Canadians to learn more about the richness of these many cultures by participating in activities celebrating World African and Black Culture Day.”
