Diversity Magazine Black History Month Profile:
A Rising Political Star in Fort McMurray Gets a Rockstar Reception….
Recently elected, first ever Black Councillor in the region, Councillor Funky Banjoko is running as an independent candidate in the upcoming Alberta provincial election, in the riding of Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo.
Councillor Banjoko is having a busy month celebrating Black History Month, honouring invitations at different events in the region, such as the Rehoboth Alliance Black History Month 2023 Cultural Extravaganza, where she was a speaker. She has also been very busy at the schools in the region, such as Holy Trinity Catholic High School, Ecole St Paul, and her next stop is Ecole Boreale.
She used the opportunity at the schools to talk to the students about the importance of celebrating Black History Month, narrowing down to some Black trailblazers.
The students had an opportunity to ask her questions after her presentation; from where she was born to why she got involved in politics, and also why the is not running for mayor. The students gave her a rock star reception with lots of huggs, high-fives, and some requested autographs on their sneakers to take a piece of the Councillor home, as captured here beautifully on the Facebook page of the Holy Trinity Catholic High School.
As this rising political star sets her eyes on a new job in politics at the Alberta Legislature, to represent the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the region will be in for an interesting race to watch in the next election due to her rise in the political scene.
In a phone conversation with Diversity Magazine, she shared this message for Black History Month:
“…..we’re learning about these great Black guys during Black History Month, take the learnings, take the messages, and be inspired to face the challenges ahead….”
Well, the challenge waiting ahead for the Councillor herself to face in the upcoming provincial election is the United Conservative Party (UCP) candidate, Zulkifl Mujahid, since the New Democratic Party (NDP) is yet to nominate a candidate in the riding.
A very happy Black History Month 2023 from Fort McMurray!
For Black History Month stories and events, please go to Alberta’s largest multicultural publication right here, www.diversitymag.ca
