Every February, people across Canada participate in Black History Month to honour the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities.

The 2022 theme for Black History Month is “February and Forever: Celebrating Black History today and every day,” which focuses on recognizing the daily contributions that Black Canadians make to Canada.

The Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation is proud to celebrate and recognize Ancilla Ho-Young and her contributions to Joseph Brant Hospital and the Burlington community.

Ancilla worked at JBH for over 45 years, including her last 10 years as Charge Nurse for Nina’s Place.

 “It was the best job I ever had,” she said. It was difficult but it was satisfying.”

Since her retirement in 2016, Ancilla has remained active in the community as the president of the Burlington Caribbean Connection.

She feels that Black History Month is a start, but wishes the accomplishments of black Canadians and people of colour were a deeper part of Canadian history.

“I feel it is important that people know that Canada has had many black and people of colour who have made incredible contributions,” she said. “The history is important – diversity, equity and inclusion is important.”