Statement from Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter to Honour February 2021 as Black History Month in Oshawa
Black History Month provides all of us with the opportunity to learn more about the stories of Black Canadians both past and present and honour their contributions to the growth and development of our country, province and city.
It’s a time for us to celebrate the members of Black communities in Oshawa who have done so much to make our city one of the best places to live, work, learn and play. While it is a time of celebration, it’s also a time to recognize that many members of Black communities experience racism and barriers to inclusion that take the forms of violence, oppression and harassment.
The City of Oshawa has zero-tolerance for racism and condemns all racist acts of intimidation and violence. Last July, Council passed a motion that reconfirmed the City’s support on zero tolerance for racism in our community. We are committed to dismantling racism and, in particular, anti-Black racism in our community.
Last year, Oshawa launched the Community Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee comprised of 15 community members from diverse backgrounds who will help both City staff and Council identify ways to increase equity, eliminate racism and enhance inclusion in Oshawa.
The City of Oshawa is grateful for the contributions of the Black communities of Oshawa and is committed to ensuring that our city provides opportunities for Black families and businesses to thrive.
Through the Support Local Campaign and as part of the recognition of Black History Month, we are pleased to showcase a number of Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in Oshawa who are important to our economic fabric and reflect some of the diverse cultural makeup of Oshawa.
This month, I encourage everyone to learn more about Black history in Canada and celebrate the positive impact Black Canadians have had, and continue to have on our community.
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Watch Mayor Carter's video statement on the City's YouTube channel.