‘Accept no limitation’: Black History Month in the Senate
Dozens of high school and university students packed the Red Chamber on February 25, 2020 to meet senators and celebrate Black History Month.
The theme for this year’s celebration — Canadians of African Descent: Going forward, guided by the past — draws inspiration from the Sankofa bird, which is depicted with its feet facing forward and its head looking back. It is a reminder to reflect on the past while going forward; the seed in its mouth represents the wisdom of the past from which future generations will benefit.
After speaking with senators, students took in a photo exhibit on display in the Senate foyer called On the Road North, which tells the stories of some of the people who helped to end slavery in Canada.
Speaker of the Senate George J. Furey, Q.C. told students that “one of the fundamental roles of the Senate is representing minorities.” He pointed to the extraordinary contributions of former Senate speaker pro tempore Donald Oliver and former senator Anne C. Cools, who was the first Black female senator in North America. Surveying the crowded Chamber, Speaker Furey said, “I see our future — our next generation of leaders in Canada.”
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‘Accept no limitation’: Black History Month in the Senate
Dozens of high school and university students packed the Red Chamber on February 25, 2020 to meet senators and celebrate Black History Month.
The theme for this year’s celebration — Canadians of African Descent: Going forward, guided by the past — draws inspiration from the Sankofa bird, which is depicted with its feet facing forward and its head looking back. It is a reminder to reflect on the past while going forward; the seed in its mouth represents the wisdom of the past from which future generations will benefit.
After speaking with senators, students took in a photo exhibit on display in the Senate foyer called On the Road North, which tells the stories of some of the people who helped to end slavery in Canada.
Speaker of the Senate George J. Furey, Q.C. told students that “one of the fundamental roles of the Senate is representing minorities.” He pointed to the extraordinary contributions of former Senate speaker pro tempore Donald Oliver and former senator Anne C. Cools, who was the first Black female senator in North America. Surveying the crowded Chamber, Speaker Furey said, “I see our future — our next generation of leaders in Canada.”