LCHS hosts MLA David Shepherd for Black History Month

LEDUC -- Leduc Composite High School hosted MLA David Shepherd for a presentation on Black History Month.

The MLA for Edmonton-City Centre gathered with students in the MacLab Centre to discuss the contributions of black Albertans over the last 200 years dating back to the fur trade. In his presentation, Shepherd shared stories of the past and profiled many of the prominent Albertans who had impacts in shaping the province's identity. Speaking to 93.1 The One, he discussed the importance of sharing the stories of black history in Alberta with local youth. 

"One of the things that I always like to talk about is the fact that we have over 200 years of black history here in Alberta," said Shepherd. "From some of the early black fur traders that came in the early 1800s, right through up until today. There's been some amazing stories and amazing work that's been done by black Albertans, and they've contributed a lot to the province. It wasn't always an easy road, they did face challenges, and there was real discrimination that they faced. Especially now that we're in a time when we're seeing a return of some of those voices of anger and discrimination south of the border -- sometimes a little uncomfortably close to home -- it's important that we recognize that history, where we've come from, and I think there's a lot we can learn from our history about how we can build better communities today."

Shepherd also discussed his own personal perspective on Black History Month, saying that it wasn't until later in life that he was able to learn more about the history of black contributors to Alberta. During his time growing up in Edmonton, the same emphasis on exploring shared histories wasn't as prominent as it's become today.

"It wasn't until I was elected in 2015 that I started to actually get connected with a lot of local African-Caribbean communities, and then in 2016 it was the first time I got invited to Black History Month events and started my own journey in learning about that," said Shepherd. "I think it's really important that we recognize that we have a growing black population in Alberta, and that we are telling these stories, sharing these stories, and giving people the chance to see that folks like them have been here, helped build this province, and have accomplished a lot. Ultimately, what I always tell folks is stories have power, and whose stories get told tells you who has the power. Taking that opportunity to highlight stories that were forgotten, ignored, or erased helps give us a sense of place, and for young kids like those at Leduc Composite High School, a chance to see the diversity of what built our province."

During his conversation with students, Shepherd also highlighted former Leduc Mayor George Rogers. Rogers was the first ever black mayor in the history of Alberta, holding the seat for two terms from 1998 to 2004. Rogers then went on to become a member of the Alberta legislative assembly following his time as a municipal leader in Leduc.

"He was the second black MLA at the Alberta legislature, the first was a gentleman named Lindsay Blackett from Calgary, then George from Leduc, then I was the third in 2015," said Shepherd. "It's a growing group, we've had three more that have been elected since I came in -- Kaycee Madu, Sharif Haji, and Rhiannon Hoyle -- and we're hoping to see that number continue to grow."

Staff with Leduc Composite High School say they hope to host more conversations relating to Alberta's history in the future, as the conversation with MLA Shepherd was very well received by students. Many of the youth also had questions about provincial politics and what sort of path is needed to become a member of the Alberta legislature. Social Studies Teacher Angela Walker says that it was an engaging, informative presentation that held strong value for students.

"I think it really makes this curriculum come alive," said Walker. "It will help them understand themselves better, and understand where they live, their community, and I think being better citizens and more active in their community."