Leaders Montreal The black community is reaching out to the new mayor, hoping she will recognize the contributions of three prominent black figures associated with the city.
Various community organizations gathered for a press conference at the headquarters of the Black Coalition of Quebec on Monday. Their goal was to ask the city to honor the musician's memory. Oscar Petersoncivil rights activists And Philip And Noel Alexanderas part of the city's heritage.
“The most important thing is the absolute level of respect, recognition and inclusivity,” said David Foster, who attended the press conference on behalf of the Canadian Foundation of Saint Lucia.
Get the latest national news
To stay on top of news affecting Canada and the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you as they happen.
Mayor of Montreal Soraya Martinez Ferrada took office on November 13.. During her time in opposition under the previous administration, her party, Ensemble Montreal, voted in favor of a proposal to rename Place Des Festivals in honor of Oscar Peterson.
Peterson has a park named after him in downtown Montrealbut community members hope the city will rename one block just west of the Place des Arts as Oscar Peterson Square.
“The black community will understand that we are not just second-class citizens, but we work tirelessly to be equal members of this society,” said Mark Henry, president of the Jamaica Association of Montreal.
The City Council previously passed a motion to honor Dan Philip, but those attending the conference said they wanted more action.
“Dan Philip's proposal was submitted in May 2024. This happened 18 months ago,” said Marvin Rotrand, founder of United Against Hate Canada.
In addition to the three men, the groups are asking the city to honor Gloria Baylis, a former nurse who won a legal battle against the hotel after it refused to hire her because of her race.
