Honourable senators, I wish you a happy Black History Month.

Welcome to Black History Month. Welcome to Canadian history, for it is when we throw off the shackles of caste and class that we can liberate our minds and experience, as Canadians, the totality of Canadian history — what it means to be Canadian; what it means to truly unleash the potential and promise of this great country.

This year’s theme for Black History Month is “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build.” Today, I want to shine a light on Black Canadian scientists.

It is my great pleasure to introduce you to the remarkable contributions of two individuals whose tireless efforts have been instrumental in improving the health and well-being of children in Canada and beyond.

Dr. Upton Allen is a recipient of the Order of Ontario; a Jamaican Canadian; a professor of pediatrics at the University of Toronto; Head of the Division of Infectious Diseases at The Hospital for Sick Children, known as SickKids; and the Bastable Potts Chair in Infectious Diseases Research.

Dr. Allen’s major research focus has been in the field of Epstein-Barr virus-related disorders in transplant patients. His work on viral genetic diversity and its impact on outcomes has led to a deeper understanding of these disorders.

His current research interests include addressing host genetic susceptibility to COVID-19.

He showed crucial provincial and national leadership in addressing health inequities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and was an especially sober and trusted voice in explaining COVID -19 and vaccines to Black and marginalized communities.

Equally impactful is Vincentian-born Canadian Dr. Melanie Kirby-Allen, professor in the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Toronto, a pediatric hematologist and oncologist and co-director of the Hemoglobinopathy Program at SickKids.

She has contributed substantially to advocacy groups such as the Sickle Cell Awareness Group of Ontario and currently serves on the Governance Board.

She has received numerous awards and honours, including the MSA Citizenship Award from SickKids.

Yes, dear colleagues, you guessed it: These two accomplished and distinguished individuals are also married to each other. Among other initiatives, they have both been integral to the SickKids-Caribbean Initiative, which builds capacity for care in pediatric cancer and blood disorders across the Caribbean.

In closing, as we celebrate Black History Month — and, yes, Canadian history — let us not only recognize their achievements but also acknowledge the broader importance of diversity in shaping the landscape of medical research and healthcare, which will lead to better outcomes for all of us.

Thank you, meegwetch.