In honour of Black History Month, CUPE National President Paul Moist and CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer Charles Fleury have issued the following letter to all CUPE chartered organizations. Please join us in celebrating this important event.
- We are enclosing our very popular Black History Month bookmark for your use. Additional bookmarks are available from CUPE’s Equality Branch at the National Office. Email: equality@cupe.ca.
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Dear Sisters and Brothers:
February is Black History Month. It’s a time to celebrate the contributions made by people of African origin to our union, to our country, and the world. It is also a great time to learn, appreciate and promote information about the perspectives and experiences of this rich culture.
African-Canadian history spans 400 years, and includes slavery, abolition, pioneering, urban growth, segregation, the civil rights movement and a long engagement in social economic and political life. Individuals like Bromley Armstrong, a committed union activist who fought to improve conditions for workers, deserve to be recognized. Armstrong left Jamaica in 1947 and made Canada his home. During the 50s, his contributions helped to bring about legislation designed to end discrimination against Black people.
Bromley’s legacy continues today with many more Black trade unionists working in every sector of the economy and in every community across the country, striving to improve our working conditions and make our communities healthier, stronger, more inclusive and just for all. Our unions are made stronger through diverse representation among our stewards, occupational health and safety representatives, collective bargaining negotiators, facilitators, staff and leaders.
In celebrating Black History Month this year, we again invite you to let us know what you, your local or Division do to celebrate this month and what it means to you. Your stories and activities will be used on CUPE’s website to raise awareness and promote better understanding about the significance of Black History Month.
Please send us information about your actions, photographs and tell us what Black History Month means to you, your family and the community. Send them to equality@cupe.ca. For the stories and other links, please visit cupe.ca.
We are enclosing our very popular Black History Month bookmark for your use. Additional bookmarks are available from CUPE’s Equality Branch at the National Office.
In solidarity,
PAUL MOIST
National President
CHARLES FLEURY
National Secretary-Treasurer
