The Government of Canada Participates in Launch of Black History Month

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwire - Jan. 31, 2008) - On behalf of the Honourable Josee Verner, Minister of Canadian Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages, Denis Lebel, Member of Parliament (Roberval-Lac-Saint-Jean) today participated in the launch of Black History Month.

With the theme From Yesterday to Today: Recognizing our Presence, Confirming our Contribution, the 2008 edition of the Round Table on Black History Month highlights, among other things, the 400th anniversary of Quebec City. A tribute will be paid to Mathieu Da Costa, an interpreter of African descent who participated in one of Samuel de Champlain's expeditions in the 17th century. As part of Black History Month celebrations, the Round Table and its partner organizations will be holding a number of activities, including conferences, workshops, films, concerts, debates, and a fair.