The month of February gives us all the chance to celebrate the diversity and achievements of Black people in Canada. However, it is also a time to reflect on Canada's painful history and the distinct challenges that Black people in Canada continue to face in their daily lives, such as systemic barriers, racism and discrimination.

Many Black Canadians have served in the Canadian Armed Forces and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and continue to do so. At Maple Ridge Legion we acknowledge and celebrate their service to our country.

Photographs: Serviceman in the First World War. Canadian War Museum, George Metcalf Archival Collection