Quebec anti-racism minister apologizes after saying Black artist was dead at awards

Mar 07, 2022

A Quebec provincial cabinet minister has apologized after mistakenly saying a renowned Black artist was dead, at an award ceremony Saturday.

Benoit Charette, the province's minister responsible for the fight against racism, was speaking at the Dynastie Gala, which celebrates Black artists and performers, when the mistake was made.

Charette was paying tribute to Black artists who had died in the past year when he incorrectly included Lamine Touré's name to the list.

Touré, who owns famed Montreal venue the Balattou and founded the Nuits d'Afrique festival, was very much alive and in attendance — and was set to be honoured for his work.

Quebec anti-racism minister apologizes after saying Black artist was dead at awards | CBC News