34th edition of the Round Table on Black History Month in Montreal
Posted January 16, 2025 5:31 pm.
The 34th edition of the Round Table on Black History Month was unveiled on Thursday in downtown Montreal.
“All That We Carry,” is the theme, and this year’s anglophone spokesperson: Ian Thomas – a radio show host, producer, mentor, entrepreneur, and activist.
Born and raised in Côte-des-Neiges, Thomas was introduced to the creative arts early.
“When Nadia contacted me and she told me, hey listen, I want you to be a spokesperson for a Black History Month. I thought it was a joke because my radio show was very controversial,” he explained.
“I don’t really adhere to the normal talk that most Black people tend to have,” he added. “I think it’s important that everybody should have a duty and Black community to help out in their own way.”
The 2025 laureates were also unveiled – each bringing a unique contribution to the community and Quebec society.
Recognized for their impact – they’ll each be featured in the 2025 Black History Month calendar.
Montrealers will be introduced to Nancy Oliver for February – she’s a devoted community worker, writer, animator, and historian.
There’s a Montreal Police commander for March.
A community advocate, mentor, entrepreneur in May.
And a musical director and keyboardist in July, just to name a few.
Concerts and plays will also be lined up throughout the month — including a blood drive with Hema Quebec on Feb. 15th.
“We are coming back with our blood drive,” said Nadia Rousseau. “It’s really dear to our heart because people from African descent must know that people that have a falciform anemia, they are going to be cured only by blood with the same genetic background.”
“So it’s really important,” she added.
“We don’t all have to be community activists,” said Thomas. “We don’t all have to be workshop facilitators.”
“A small gesture, just like a welcome greeting when you see another Black person can go a long way. Because the uncomfortable truth is that many people have died and fought for me to be here this morning, stand shoulder with the shoulder with my brothers and sisters to represent our black community.”
