Defence Team Black History Month Event Inspires and Uplifts
February 28, 2025 - Defence Stories
Estimated read time - 3:00
Caption
Group of speakers: Rear-Admiral Jacques Olivier, Defence Team Champion for Racialized Persons; Lieutenant-Colonel Catherine Askew, Command Chaplain for CPCC; Major Ryan Carter and Charlene Engmann, DTBEN National co-chairs; Dr. Rachel Zellars, keynote speaker; Denise Moore and CWO Suzanne McAdam, outgoing DRPAG National co-chairs; Colonel Sylvestre Bishop, incoming DRPAG National co-chair; and Anne Rahming, A/Deputy DG Culture and Executive Director, Gender Equality, and Intersectional Analysis.
The third annual Defence Team Black History Month event took place on February 6, 2025. The live event saw over 1,600 virtual participants and the room at NDHQ(Carling) in the National Capital Region was at full capacity, demonstrating the interest and importance of this event.
In honour of the Government of Canada’s theme “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations,” many of the speakers acknowledged and thanked those who laid the foundation that allowed them the opportunity to speak at the event. They also underscored the ongoing efforts to pave a path for future Black Defence Team members.
As the event moderator, Rear-Admiral Jacques Olivier, the Defence Team Champion for Racialized Persons, welcomed participants, and recognized the No. 2 Construction Battalion and the impactful achievements of current Black Defence Team members. He also set the tone of the day's discussion by emphasizing that “Diversity is our strength, but inclusion is our responsibility”.
The Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Bill Blair, through a video message, recognized the legacy and “...the strength of Black Defence Team members in the long fight for equity” and talked about the importance of inclusivity within the Defence Team.
Next, the outgoing Defence Racialized Persons Advisory Group (DRPAG) co-chairs, Denise Moore and Chief Warrant Officer Suzanne McAdam, described their involvement in and the evolution of the advisory group during their 12-year tenure. Their dedication and passion for creating a safe community for all racialized persons was inspiring. The co-chairs also provided an update on the future of DRPAG, including introducing the incoming DRPAG co-chairs, Andrew Au and Colonel Sylvestre Bishop, and briefly explained the name change from the Defence Visible Minority Advisory Group (DVMAG) to the Defence Racialized Persons Advisory Group (DRPAG). The name change emphasizes commitment to legislative and societal progress, its alignment with Canada’s evolving anti-racism frameworks, and a more nuanced understanding of race and systemic inequalities .
The Defence Team Black Employee Network national co-chairs, Charlene Engmann and Major Ryan Carter gave remarks centered on the importance of uplifting and empowering those around you, as they expanded on the African philosophy “I am because we are”. Maj Carter also read the poem “They Trooped the Colors” written by George Elliot Clarke.
Participants then heard from Dr. Rachel Zellars, whose work in addressing anti-Black racism and systemic bias has been instrumental in exposing harms done, shaping policies and informing conversations for change across Canada. She shared her personal and professional views on the constant evolution of our respective understanding of true inclusivity. She asked the audience to examine when seemingly inclusive language is used to further discriminatory assumptions and practices. She also highlighted important academic research on the essentials of ensuring diversity within military ranks and leadership, while underscoring that true diversity is a capacity-building strength that is pertinent and relevant to anyone in their respective lines of work.
A short but impactful question and answer session allowed for a few questions to be answered, tapping into Dr. Zellars’ and Rear-Admiral Olivier’s knowledge and candor.
Rear-Admiral Olivier concluded the event by thanking participants, reminding everyone that resources are always available for anyone needing support, and inspired the audience to keep conversations going in the spirit of forward momentum.
“Together, let us honour the past, celebrate the present, and move forward with strength, purpose, and unity.”
If you missed this year’s event, you could view auto-generated video recording created by MS Teams.
Video Links
Video Time Stamps
- Opening remarks – 09:29
- MND Video – 16:08
- DRPAG remarks – 20:00
- DTBEN remarks – 30:12
- Dr. Zellars’ keynote speech – 36:45
- Q&A – 1:21:23
- Closing remarks – 1:31:40
Resources
This event may contain language and references to harmful situations which may be emotionally activating for some people. If you or someone you know needs support, please seek assistance:
Page details
- Date modified: