February, the shortest month, might seem very long this year.  The pandemic, icy streets, and cold weather has forced people to spend far more hours confined at home. We hear about ‘bingeing’ on TV, weight gain, lack of physical activity, and imbibing too much on one beverage or another. 

The arrival of Covid 19 vaccines has shed a light of hope on the situation. Although this new hope has carried new frustrations with it. There was and is far from enough of the vaccines, and the distribution systems have left many with  unanswered questions, and unanswered concerns.

How we come out of this, and how we lived through it, will make for many, many ‘whale of a tales’ for all of us to tell in the future.

But, right now, this February also contains another ‘Whale of a Tale.’ It is Black History Month in Canada.

Black History Month originated in the United States  where it was and is also known as African – American History Month. The month of February was chosen in recognition of the birth of Abraham Lincoln, February 12, 1809. Lincoln declared the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, freeing American slaves.

 Two Black politicians, Jean Augustine, the first black woman elected to the House of Commons, and Senator Donald Oliver, the first black man appointed to the Canadian Senate, sponsored motions that eventually saw February officially recognized as Black History Month, here in Canada.

 Last spring’s ‘Black Lives Matter Rallies’ were a dramatic reminder of what we all need to heed this Black History Month.

 To find a place for such contemplation, we in Prince Albert need not go very far: – The Harry Jerome Track at Prime Minister’s park is most suitable. I know as I sit writing this, it is -31 degrees and it might not be advisable to actually go to that track, but we can contemplate being there.

Harry Jerome was a black Canadian athlete who won the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964 and set seven world sprinting records during his career, including the 100 metre and 100 yard dashes.

Harry Winston Jerome was born in Prince Albert, September 30, 1940.  At age 12 Harry’s family moved to North Vancouver. 

Harry’s Olympic status was shared by family members.

His maternal grandfather, John Howard, represented Canada as a sprinter in the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden. Harry’s sister, Valerie Jerome, also a sprinter, competed for Canada in the 1960 Olympics. 

 The causes promoted by ‘The Black Lives Matter’ movement become even more relevant to this story when history tells us John Howard in 1912 was forbidden entrance to the Montreal hotel where his white teammates stayed prior to boarding the ship to Sweden. 

Harry Jerome was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1970, was inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 1971, and, in recognition of what Harry has meant to Canada, he was named a Person of National Significance. 

Prince Albert is most fortunate to have a free public facility named for such an esteemed person. 

As well as utilizing fully his athletic talents, Harry was motivated to see that what had happened to his grandfather in Montreal should never happen to anyone. He pushed hard for the recognition of all racialized Canadians, athletes or not. 

The theme of Black History Month this year is: ‘The Future is Now.’

As I contemplate how to make that theme a reality, I think back to a tale I was told a number of years ago. There were two little four year old girls right here in Prince Albert getting ready for Sunday school. One girl, of African heritage, had her dark hair put up in beautiful ribbon tied bangles. The other girl pleaded to have her blond hair so adorned. When done, the blond haired girl was thrilled.  However, looking in the mirror she paused and in a very worried voice said, “But Mommy how will the teacher tell us apart?” 

For those two little girls ‘The future was right there – right now!  

May it be the same for us this February! 

As you read this column, I need to point out that many times I have turned to our local museum’s archives to gather information. Our archives are fascinating and absolutely essential, and are manned by volunteers contributing thousands of unpaid hours to preserve vital records for us.

Last week was Archives Week.
However, it is never too late to say THANK YOU to our ARCHIVISTS.