News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The following statement was issued today by Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister John Ames:

Black History Month plays an important role in educating us about human rights and about the contribution of black New Brunswickers who worked to overcome challenges and discrimination to make our province a better place.

As a former teacher, I believe in the power of education and its impact on building a better quality of life. The celebration and recognition of Black History month provides us the opportunity to learn more about the contributions of the black community not only in New Brunswick but across Canada.

To increase awareness of black history in our province, your government partnered with the New Brunswick Black History Society to develop an approach to appropriately name landmarks relating to the history of black New Brunswickers.

To date, the Black History Compilation Project has seen Negro Brook Rd. in Kings County change to Harriet O’Ree Road in recognition of one of the black residents living in the area, as noted in the 1851 West Sussex Census. In partnership with the society, we have identified seven more names that will be changed.

Black History Month reminds us to heed these lessons in social justice and of the importance of learning from our past.