Prominent Calgarians remembered during Black History Month: ‘Understand the contributions’

"It's really important that we do this not just in February, but March through January as well, and so we can celebrate the diverse province that we have year-round."

Learning about Black history shouldn’t be limited to the shortest month of the year.

“Black History Month is an incredibly important, exciting month, an opportunity to learn about Black history and to celebrate a lot of the triumph from the past and also of people today,” Matt Sauer, a member of the Black Teachers Association of Alberta, said in a recent interview with Global News.

The association is organizing online events for students, bringing opportunities for connection and networking throughout the month.

As the father of two young daughters, Sauer highlighted the importance of having the conversation about racial justice, equity and diversity early.

“Having the conversations young is important so kids really understand their place in the world and value other people’s voices and perspectives,” the Calgarian explained.

“It’s vitally important to start as young as we can. The kids are hearing it already on the playgrounds and from peers.

Andrew Parker, co-founder of the Black Teachers Association of Alberta, said he would like to see more activism, support and representation.

“It just has to happen on a genuine level,” he said.