(Image Credit: Jett Schwaier/CHAT News)

By Jett Schwaier

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

An event marking Black History Month in Medicine Hat focused on youth empowerment

Feb 28, 2026 | 1:09 AM

An event highlighting Black History Month in Medicine Hat took place at the Esplanade on Feb. 27, 2026, with a focus on empowering youth for civic and economic leadership.

The event, organized by the Connection Intercultural Association in partnership with the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce, brought the public together with local leaders, students, and entrepreneurs for a panel discussion and community dialogue centred on the theme “Future Forward.”

Before the discussion, speakers, including Medicine Hat Mayor Linnsie Clark and Medicine Hat-Cardston-Warner MP Glen Motz, reflected on the history and contributions of Alberta’s Black community, emphasizing mentorship, connection, and creating opportunities for the young to lead.

Local panellists included a small business owner, a student leader and a college athlete, who discussed the challenges of building networks, starting businesses and finding belonging in a new community.

The local business owner spoke about the challenges of starting over in a new city and the importance of building networks and community support to grow a small business.

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A student leader highlighted the need for stronger connection, mentorship, and sustained engagement to help young people feel a sense of belonging on campus.

A college athlete reflected on overcoming language and cultural barriers, emphasizing teamwork, community involvement and using his voice as key parts of developing confidence and leadership, while thanking his coaching staff who attended the event.

The panellists encouraged greater engagement between youth and established leaders, as well as continued support for initiatives that foster inclusion and professional growth.

Volunteer with the Connection Intercultural Association and City Councillor, Yusef Mohammed, said the goal of the gathering was to move beyond celebration and toward action by strengthening relationships, amplifying youth voices and identifying practical ways to build a more inclusive community.

“It’s something that I find really encouraging, to see this many people in our community from different cultures, and different perspectives, different industries, and to see a lot of youth represented,” Mohammed said.

“I think that’s one of the essences and the purpose of this event, is coming together and having that important dialogue that says, how do we help to build Medicine Hat?”

The event concluded with breakout discussions aimed at encouraging participants to consider how they can contribute to civic and economic development in Medicine Hat.