08/31/2026
Today, August 31, the New Brunswick African Association Inc. (NBAA) proudly joins people across Canada and around the world in recognizing the International Day for People of African Descent.
Today is a celebration — but it is also a call to action.
We honour the generations of people of African descent whose courage, resilience, knowledge, labour, leadership, creativity and determination have helped build the communities and countries we call home.
We honour those who came before us.
We honour those who stood against slavery, colonialism, segregation, discrimination and injustice.
We honour the Black and African communities who, despite enormous barriers, continued to build families, businesses, institutions, movements and communities.
And we honour the generation rising today.
🇺🇳 A GLOBAL COMMITMENT
The United Nations proclaimed 2015–2024 as the International Decade for People of African Descent, grounded in three powerful pillars:
✊🏿 RECOGNITION
⚖️ JUSTICE
🌱 DEVELOPMENT
The Decade called upon nations to recognize the contributions of people of African descent, protect their human rights, confront racial discrimination and create the conditions for full and equal participation in society.
🇨🇦 CANADA ANSWERED THAT CALL.
In 2018, the Government of Canada officially recognized the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent and committed to advancing its objectives here at home.
🇨🇦❤️ AND NEW BRUNSWICK TOOK AN IMPORTANT HISTORIC STEP.
In 2023, the Province of New Brunswick formally proclaimed 2015–2024 as the International Decade for People of African Descent in New Brunswick.
For our community, that proclamation mattered.
It said that the history, experiences, contributions and future of people of African descent belong within the story of New Brunswick.
But a proclamation cannot be the end of the journey.
Recognition must become representation.
Justice must become measurable change.
Development must become opportunity.
And commitments must become action.
🌍 THE WORK CONTINUES: 2025–2034
Recognizing that much more remains to be done around the world, the United Nations has proclaimed a Second International Decade for People of African Descent, 2025–2034.
This gives all of us another opportunity — governments, institutions, businesses, schools, community organizations and individuals — to ask an important question:
What will we do differently during this decade?
For us at NBAA, the answer is clear.
We will continue working toward a New Brunswick where African and Black children can see themselves represented in their schools and institutions.
Where our youth have equitable access to education, STEM, sport, mentorship and leadership opportunities.
Where newcomers can build successful lives and fully participate in their communities.
Where African and Black entrepreneurs have opportunities to build businesses and create prosperity.
Where racism and discrimination are confronted rather than ignored.
Where our history is taught.
Where our voices are heard.
Where our contributions are recognized.
And where every person of African descent has the opportunity not simply to survive — but to belong, lead, succeed and thrive.
Our ancestors opened doors that once seemed impossible to open.
Our responsibility is to make sure the next generation never has to fight to prove that they belong on the other side of those doors.
As we mark this International Day for People of African Descent, we call upon governments, institutions, organizations, allies and communities across New Brunswick to renew their commitment to the principles of:
✊🏿 RECOGNITION
⚖️ JUSTICE
🌱 DEVELOPMENT
The Second International Decade must be more than another ten years on a calendar.
Let it be a decade of ACTION.
A decade of opportunity.
A decade of accountability.
A decade of stronger Black institutions.
A decade of investment in our youth.
A decade of confronting anti-Black racism.
A decade of celebrating African heritage.
A decade in which people of African descent help shape the decisions, institutions and future of this province and this country.
From Africa to the diaspora, from our elders to our children, and from communities across New Brunswick to communities around the world:
We honour our history.
We celebrate our contributions.
We stand for justice.
We invest in our future.
And we move forward together.
🌍✊🏿 People of African Descent: Recognition. Justice. Development.
New Brunswick African Association Inc. (NBAA)
UNITED WE STAND.
