Canadians celebrate Black History Month
MONTREAL – As part of the program Hockey is for everyone of the National Hockey League, the Montreal Canadiens will celebrate Black History Month on Monday, February 21.
On the occasion of their match against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Canadiens players will wear, during the warm-up period, a black jersey in order to pay tribute to the rich heritage and the achievements of the black communities, both in hockey and in today’s society. For the occasion, the Canadian national anthem will be performed by the singer-songwriter Clereloriginally from Cameroon.
“Black History Month is a great opportunity for our Club to reiterate our commitment to providing all players and fans with an inclusive, safe and welcoming environment, free from any form of racism or discrimination. We are privileged, this month and throughout the year, to be able to offer our support to organizations serving the black communities of Montreal, and which work to reduce inequalities in our society, in particular by promoting access to hockey and other sports to young people from marginalized groups, » said Geneviève Paquette, vice-president of community engagement at the Club de hockey Canadien.
The warm-up jerseys that the players will wear in the pre-game on Monday will be adorned with the Pan-African colours, which serve as a symbol to represent the communities of the African diaspora. We find green, for the abundance and fertility of the lands of the African continent; red, for the blood which unites all peoples of African descent, and which was shed during the struggle for liberation; yellow, for the riches of Africa, which have been stolen from its peoples; and black, for the color of his people. These autographed jerseys are already up for auction at blacks.encanpro.ca, and the public will have until Wednesday, February 23 at 9 p.m. to bid on these unique collectibles. Funds raised through this auction will be donated to For 3 Points, an organization committed to developing and increasing the positive impact of sports coaches on young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, in sport and in life. Tricolore Sports also undertakes to pay 10% of the sales for the day on Monday, February 21, made in line and at the storeat Pour 3 Points, to support the creation of environments conducive to the well-being of youth.
“The Montreal Canadiens have a major influence not only in the world of sport, but in society as a whole. I am very grateful that this great organization is partnering with Pour 3 Points in order to support the potential of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and thus contribute together to a fairer society,” added Fabrice Vil, founder of Pour 3 Points.
For its part, the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation will welcome teenage girls from Henri-Bourassa high school who are taking part, this winter, in a program offered by the organization Youth Hockey in Montreal North. Funded by the Montreal Canadiens with funds raised during Black History Month in 2021, this program allows 21 young girls, some of whom are newcomers, to learn to skate and play hockey for free.
The winners of the last edition of the Impact Player programaimed at highlighting the work of black people who are dedicated to building a better and more inclusive future for future generations in Quebec, will also be honored during the game.
To learn more about the Club’s various initiatives, we invite you to explore our Black History Month pagewhich lists various resources available for you to learn about, support, and interact with.
