21st edition of Black History Month focuses on change: "IMAGINE A NEW WORLD"

MONTREAL, Jan. 30, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - Frantz Benjamin, associate councillor responsible for communities of diverse origins, and Michael Farkas, President of the Black History Month Roundtable today launched the 21st edition of Black History Month, being celebrated under the theme, "IMAGINE A NEW WORLD". They were joined by the two spokespersons of the event, comedian Dorothy Rhau and actor Benz Antoine.

"Black History Month was first held 21 years ago, and ever since, black communities have had an ever-greater influence on social, cultural and economic life in Montréal. Much has been done over the past 20 years to achieve recognition and make our mark on the collective memory. Today, in Montréal, black communities can look toward future and "Imagine a New World," said Frantz Benjamin.

"The Ville de Montréal is pleased to be associated with a new perspective for the future and hopes the younger generations will share this process. Black History Month is a unique opportunity to improve on what has been implemented over the past years. This means stepping up the process to build a city where inequities and injustice no longer have a place, and where Montrealers of all backgrounds may live in harmony," said Mary Deros, member of the Ville de Montréal Executive Committee responsible for communities of diverse origins.

Among the activities scheduled as part of Black History Month, city hall will host a photo exhibition titled "Spirits of the Mask-Dancers", February 7 to 22. This outstanding art project recounts the shared history of black communities.

On February 20, the city council will be asked to adopt a resolution to name a site bordering the Champ-de-Mars Métro station for Marie-Josèphe Angélique, one of the first Black slaves in Montréal. A ceremony celebrating the designation of this space in the Ville-Marie borough will be held at city hall during Black History Month, and an official inauguration will take place on the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, on August 23, 2012.

For information on the activities featured during Black History Month, please log on to www.ville.montreal.qc.ca or www.moishistoiredesnoirs.com.

Source:	Ariane Lareau Cabinet du maire et du comité exécutif 514 872-4894
Information:	Philippe Rousseau Division des affaires publiques Ville de Montréal 514 872-5012