Dear Sisters and Brothers:
As we celebrate Black History Month, let us remember Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, the first president of a democratic South Africa, and one of the greatest leaders of our time. His conviction and courage in the struggle against apartheid and racial discrimination made him a true champion of equality and justice. He will never be forgotten and will always be in our hearts.Let us stand together now and in the days ahead, and do what needs to be done to honour him.
While we acknowledge Black history in other parts of the world, it is also important to know some facts about Black history here in Canada. For instance, both Nova Scotia and Ontario allowed public schools to be segregated along racial lines until the 1960s. Schools for people of African descent had fewer resources than other schools, and students often received inadequate education.
One of Canada’s first major challenges to racial segregation happened in 1946, when Viola Desmond, a black business woman, refused to sit in the balcony of a theatre in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. Instead, she sat downstairs in an area designated exclusively for white people. Desmond’s action took place nine years before Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white man on a bus in Alabama.
CUPE’s own anti-racism work is shaped by an analysis of the root causes of racism, in colonialism, imperialism and the historical exploitation of people of colour throughout the world.
At our 2013 National Convention, delegates unanimously supported a resolution to establish The Ed Blackman Worker of Colour Award, to be presented at each National Convention beginning in 2015. This award will be presented to an individual to recognize achievement and activism in ending racism, promoting diversity, and advancing equality and social justice for people of colour.
The late Ed Blackman, a committed trade unionist on the local and national scene, was a founding member of the CUPE National Rainbow Committee and a prominent leader in our union. For many years he served as President of CUPE Local 500 (City of Winnipeg) and as a General Vice-President on CUPE’s National Executive Board.
An award in Brother Blackman’s name is a fitting tribute to his legacy and contribution to the labour movement, and we hope CUPE members will continue to strive for racial justice in his memory.
We hope your local will join us in celebrating Black History Month throughout February, and reflect on what you can do to make the world a more inclusive place.
In solidarity,
Paul Moist
National President
Charles Fleury
National Secretary-Treasurer