A
Tribute to Excellence
Notes for remarks by
Hon. David Kilgour, M.P.,
Edmonton Southeast
at the Awards for Excellence
Banquet
sponsored by The National
Black Coalition for Canada-Edmonton
Chateau Louis Inn and Conference
Centre, Edmonton, February
27, 1999
It is a pleasure to be
here tonight as part of
a celebration recognizing
and honouring the excellent
achievements of outstanding
individuals. I extend my
warmest greetings on behalf
of Prime Minister Chrétien
and the federal government
to all of you.
Like you, I am proud that
February, as pioneered by
the African-American historian
Carter G. Woodson, is now
officially recognized in
Canada as Black History
month. This raises the awareness
of Edmontonians, Albertans
and Canadians generally
about the contributions
and experiences of people
of African descent in Canada.
The honourees tonight have
in various ways contributed
to the development of the
Black community in Edmonton,
and by extension they have
made a positive impact on
Canada and Alberta as a
whole.
Their initiatives in their
respective fields reflect
talent, achievement, social
involvement, and a consistent
search for quality. These
are the main selection criteria
for the awards being presented
tonight.
Let me congratulate all
the recipients of the 1999
Awards for Excellence. You
are positive role models
and a source of pride and
inspiration to Albertans
and indeed all Canadians.
Your example demonstrates
how Black Canadians have
found ways to overcome the
trials of adversity and
rise to excellence.
Special words of appreciation
to the organizers –
The National Black Coalition
of Canada (Edmonton Chapter).
You have an excellent tradition
of sponsoring events that
highlight the achievements
and cultural richness of
Black communities in our
city and throughout Canada.
One such undertaking is
the establishment of the
awards of excellence which
started in 1985. I commend
your hard work and dedication.
Let me end with a quote
by the author, Rosemary
Sadlier – President
of the Ontario Black History
Society. She notes: "We
need a Black History Month
in order to help us arrive
at an understanding of ourselves
as Canadians in the most
accurate and complete socio-historical
context that we can produce.
As a nation with such diversity
all histories need to be
known ... we look forward
to the day when [Black History
Month] is not necessary.
When the contributions of
people of African descent
are acknowledged, when the
achievements of Black people
are known, when Black people
are routinely included or
affirmed through our curriculum,
our books and the media,
and treated with equality."
It is through the will,
vision, and perseverance
demonstrated by tonight’s
award recipients that this
hope blossoms. It is through
the consciousness of us
all that the dream is realized.
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