CLC Celebrates Black History Month 2011
Posted: Friday, 28 January 2011
Their faces are all around us.
Their talent, skills and experience have made our lives, our work, and our communities better.
They are members of the black diaspora.
Across the country, unions are made stronger by stewards, occupational health and safety representatives, collective bargaining negotiators, facilitators, staff and leaders who are also members of the black community.
Their contributions, skills, and experience make us all stronger.
February is Black History Month and the United Nations has announced 2011 to be the International Year of African Ancestry – both important moments for the labour movement to commemorate and honour the contributions of this part of our movement.
Individuals like Bromley Armstrong who left Jamaica in 1947 and made Canada his home, deserve to be recognized this month.
Bromley was a committed union activist who fought to improve conditions for workers. His contributions helped to bring about legislation in the 1950’s designed to end discrimination against blacks.
Bromley’s legacy continues today with many more black trade unionists working in every sector of the economy, in every community across the country striving to improve our working conditions and make our communities healthier, stronger, more inclusive and just for all.
Globally, members of the black diaspora struggle for democracy and empowerment in the Ivory Coast and in Sudan. Others courageously and persistently rebuild their country in Haiti. And everywhere, workers join with this community to end economic apartheid.
The Canadian Labour Congress celebrates Black History Month and this important year for those of African ancestry.
Their contributions make us all better.
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