OLDS — Although Black History Month is nearly over in Olds, organizers are hopeful it will set the tone for a more inclusive province in the future.
That’s that message that two representatives of Ubuntu Mobilizing Central Alberta brought to a Zoom meeting of Olds council earlier this month.
Ubuntu is a South African proverb which says what affects one affects all of us.
Sadia Khan, the organization’s executive director, as well as Dieulita Datus a co-founder of the organization and its program director, urged council to declare the month of February Black History Month in Olds. Council did so.
“Despite the history of oppression, enslavement, racism, discrimination, Black Canadians have transcended great adversity to achieve many accomplishments that have contributed to the richness of this province and country,” Datus said.
She said organizers created a variety of events to celebrate Black History Month while still observing COVID-19 protocols. Those events are listed on their Facebook page as well as media platforms utilized by the town of Olds.
“We really do believe in radical inclusivity. We believe our work and efforts are through education and through advocacy and community building,” Khan said.
“Black History Month is a call to all residents to reflect on the cultural, scientific, political, and economic contributions of Black people to the development of Canada and the world,” the proclamation reads.
“While the observance of Black History Month calls our nation’s attention to the continued need to battle racism and to build a society that lives up to our democratic ideals, celebrations and recognition of Black History Month are especially significant as we reflect back on the difficult conversations from last year that once again asked us to do our part to uproot systemic racism."
Several councillors thanked Khan and Datus for their presentation.
“It’s interesting when you look at some of the history that goes on and all the contributions that so many different people have made to Alberta and certainly people of different cultural backgrounds should all be recognized,” Coun. Heather Ryan said.
"This goes along with our inclusive community attitude here in Olds and I think it’s just a welcome thing.”
Mayor Michael Muzychka noted that Ubuntu organized a Black Lives Matter event in Olds last summer, which he attended and appreciated.
“The experience working with you in the past has been phenomenal and I look forward to future events and so forth that you bring to Central Alberta,” Muzychka said.
He urged Khan and Datus to let town officials know when they’re organizing various events in Central Alberta so that town representatives might be able to participate in them.