Leaders and Legacies Canadian leaders and leadership stories
Since February is Black History Month in Canada and the U.S., Leaders and Legacies is running a series of articles connected to this theme. Columnist Samuel Getachew interviews former Liberal leader and academic, Michael Ignatieff, about the black leader he most admires.
Name one African Canadian you admire.
Jean Augustine. As a Liberal MP, back in 1995, she introduced the first motion, passed unanimously in the House of Commons, to recognize Black History Month across Canada. In her time as an MP she also served the constituents of Etobicoke-Lakeshore so admirably that she has always been (an) example to follow.
What does Black History mean to you?
Black History Month is not just a chance to recognize some of the Canadians who serve as an inspiration to all of us – great figures in our history like Judge George Carter, Lincoln Alexander and Ferguson Jenkins – it is also an opportunity to celebrate and encourage the contributions of young black Canadians who are going to play a leading role in defining the Canada of tomorrow. To honour their hopes and aspirations is what the Liberal vision for this country is all about.