February was Black History Month, during which people across the country participated in events and festivities that honour the legacy of Black people in Canada and their communities.  There were a number of Afro-centric events in Saskatoon including an African and Urban Fashion Show at the Remai Art Gallery that I had the pleasure of attending as my wife brought greetings on behalf of the City.    February may be behind us but after multiple requests by many Black business owners and enthusiasts who want to contribute to the economic development of Saskatoon, an idea became reality and the first Annual Saskatoon Black Business Expo came into being last Saturday at Prairieland Park.   The annual Gardenscape was on at the same time so needless to say, the parking lot was full that day, but I managed to luck out and find a spot.  We attended both Gardenscape  and the Black Business Expo where my wife again brought greetings on behalf of the citizens of Saskatoon .  Statistics Canada reports Black-owned businesses are a meager 1.2% of all businesses in Saskatchewan, the lowest of any province in Western Canada, but I can tell you Hall C at Prairieland was full of booths and buzzing with activity.  I’ve lived here nearly 41 years, but I learned more in one day about an aspect of our community I obviously knew very little about. The organizers are planning for an even bigger Black Business Expo next year as they didn’t have enough room for all booth applicants this year and I wish them luck. 

That’s Coffeetalk.  I’m Vic Dubois