The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) Workers of Colour Caucus has unveiled massive legacy banners at their downtown Toronto location in celebration of Black History Month.
The banners are reproductions of artist Robert Small’s well-known poster series including 20th anniversary commemorative posters highlighting the important contributions of five African Canadians: Kenny Robinson, Bromley Armstrong, Yvonne Atwell, Lynn Jones and Chief Devon Clunis. The side of the building features a banner honouring Nelson Mandela, Bob Marley, Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey and Martin Luther King Jr.
“OPSEU celebrates Black History Month with pride. Our Workers of Colour Caucus does important work all year long in our union and communities across Ontario,” said OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas.
“Every year we try to increase awareness about Black history,” said OPSEU Workers of Colour Chair, Peter Thompson. “February we celebrate for the month, but the struggle for justice and equality for all Canadians must continue all year long.”
Robert Small created the first poster in 1994 shortly after graduating from college. The illustrator for the Legacy Poster series, Small is now one of the best-known Black artists in Canada. His posters have been included in schools across the country, making them a corner stone of pride and learning about Black history.
2014 marks the 20th anniversary of the Legacy Black history poster series. The banners can be seen at 31 Wellesley Street for the month of February.
For more information:
Peter Thompson, Chair,
OPSEU Workers of Colour:
519-969-1901