February marks Black History Month, a month that honours the legacy of Black Canadians in the past and right now.

Winnipeg became the first city in Canadian history to elect a Black police chief when they elected Devon Clunis. Clunis was born in Jamacia and came to Winnipeg in 1975. He has seen an incredible change since then and since 1987, when he became one of the first Black police officers in the city.

"When you look at the face of our police, it's incredibly multi-cultural," Clunis said.

Black History Month is very important to Clunis, especially given the state of the world.

"You see people pulling themselves away from racial relations, it's really important for us to celebrate each respective ethnic group's contributions to our city," Clunis said.

Winnipeg, Clunis says, is an incredibly diverse city. He believes Black History Month is just another part of that story, where can learn more about each other.

"Our strength is in our diversity," Clunis said of Winnipeg. "We have a lot to be proud of for that."

The month is often used as a time to reflect on Black Canadians who have made a big impact in the lives of Canadians, whether it was fighting for equal rights, or accomplishing something for the very first time. But Clunis said he didn't have a particular role model growing up. Instead, Clunis says that he looks back on his heritage and sees how strong they are and how much they have been through. That makes him proud to be a Black Canadian.

"We're an incredibly strong people but the future is together," Clunis said when asked what he would want others to know about his heritage and culture. "We may look different on the outside but inside we're all the same."