Roots & Success – Afropreneurial Fair: Catherine Fournier | BHM2025

Longueuil, Québec — In an atmosphere filled with recognition and commitment, the Mayor of Longueuil, Catherine Fournier, delivered a heartfelt speech during a significant celebration of Black History Month, emphasizing the importance of an inclusive, diverse, and meaningful program for the entire community.

“Thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said Ms. Fournier at the opening of her speech. She extended special thanks to the teams involved, particularly Alain C., representing the Department of Social and Community Development, as well as the working committee and volunteers who, year after year, ensure the success of this essential event.

“This is already the third year we’ve been organizing Black History Month in Longueuil, and it’s clear that it’s gaining more and more momentum,” said the mayor. She expressed how moved she was by the growing enthusiasm within the community, highlighting the richness of the Black communities' contributions to local life.

Joined on this occasion by Sylvain, city councillor and president of the Vieux-Longueuil borough, also responsible for economic development on the executive committee, Catherine Fournier stressed the importance of including an economic component in the celebrations.

“I find it very relevant that we’re able to include an economic aspect in Black History Month because culture goes beyond the boundaries of the arts. It touches all sorts of sectors, including the economy,” she stated. She also praised the participation of the Social Economy Hub of the agglomeration, which she considers a key player in the local fabric.

Also thanking her colleagues Roland Bababika and Reine Bogolo, Ms. Fournier emphasized Longueuil’s commitment to offering a program that lives up to the “richness and contributions” of Black communities.

“Thank you for taking part, thank you for bringing life to these days throughout the month of February,” she added. For her, these celebrations mark only the beginning of a broader and deeper dialogue. “These kinds of activities promote dialogue, but truly, it is the entire community that is enriched collectively,” she concluded, delivering a message of unity and hope.