Black History Month is a time to recognize the history, resilience, and contributions of Black communities, while also confronting the realities of racism that continue to shape lives and workplaces today. On the Prairies, Black history is complex, rooted in migration, survival, resistance, and a long struggle for dignity and fairness within systems that have too often excluded Black voices.
For many Black workers, racism is not only historical, it is lived. It appears in barriers to hiring and promotion, unequal treatment in the workplace, and overrepresentation in disciplinary and justice systems. These inequities are systemic, and they demand collective solutions.
As a union, we have a responsibility to do more than acknowledge injustice, we must challenge it. Unions play a critical role in advocating for fair treatment, employment equity, safe workplaces, and accountability. Progress has been made because Black members and allies have organized and pushed for change, but there is still much work to be done.
Black History Month reminds us that solidarity is not passive. It requires active listening, learning, and taking action together.
We encourage members to:
• Learn about Black history and lived experiences, particularly in the Prairie region
• Participate in Black History Month events
• Support employment equity and anti-racism efforts in our workplaces
• Get involved in your area Human Rights Committees
By standing together, challenging discrimination, and supporting one another, we strengthen our union and move closer to workplaces rooted in equity, respect, and justice.
In Solidarity,
Madeline Lee
Racially Visible Persons Representative
Prairie Region Council
Regional Executive Vice-President, Prairies
Public Service Alliance of Canada