Honourable senators, I rise today to mark the last day of Black History Month 2024.

This month, I lost a dear mentor and friend, Dr. Claude Manigat — dear Claude. Dr. Manigat and his wife, Alta, invited me to their home when I first moved to Cornwall. This is how small the Black community was back then: They wanted this total stranger to feel welcome and to know that there were other Black folks to support them.

They are also responsible for the first proclamation of Black History Month in Cornwall. Representation, visibility and alliance count. Dr. Manigat is a case in point.

His passing during Black History Month is particularly difficult because it’s still common to be the only Black person sitting around a table, and so every Black mentor, leader or friend matters.

It’s with Dr. Manigat’s example in mind that I lived Black History Month this year. As a politician who lives in the public eye, I chose to take up space. I feel a responsibility to speak up, especially when the eyes and ears of this country are turned toward Black Canadians. I feel a responsibility to say “yes” when the invites start pouring in for February events. I feel a need to be vulnerable, to tell my story and to make space for people to tell theirs.

We know that Black history, Black excellence and Black stories are worthy of celebration all year long. I know that the challenges facing Black communities don’t disappear when February rolls into March. That is why the work of the African Canadian Senate Group is so important. You know that Black people and our allies will tackle discriminatory policies every day of the year.

Still, Black History Month matters.

Based on the conversations I’ve had throughout the month of February, I can honestly say that it is still hard to be Black in Canada, despite my role as a senator. In facing those challenges, I’m grateful for the ties I have with my community, with young people, with people from all walks of life who nourish my soul and give me strength.

I want to close by thanking all the groups who make space for people like me in February and beyond. I’m thinking about the SENgage team, allied senators, school teachers, municipalities, news outlets, cultural groups, women’s groups, artists, creators and entrepreneurs. Thank you for your willingness to be vulnerable, to practise allyship and to open the door for the possibility of better understanding.

I want to thank mentors across Canada — mentors like Dr. Manigat — who create safety for Black folks daring to take up space.

Thank you, nia:wen.