Uzoma Asagwara (pictured) was recently appointed Deputy Premier of Manitoba by Premier Wab Kinew, who is himself the first First Nations Premier in that province after the recent elections. Here is a background of Uzoma Asagwara:
Uzoma Asagwara (born September 23, 1984) is a Canadian politician and retired basketball player. Since 2019, they have represented the Union Station electoral district in the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba. Asagwara is a member of the Manitoba New Democratic Party.
Biography
Asagwara was born in Winnipeg to Igbo Nigerian parents. In 2008, Asagwara completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Nursing from the University of Winnipeg and Brandon University. Asagwara was the University of Winnipeg Female Athlete of the Year in 2005โ06. In 2007 they led the Canadian Interuniversity Sport in scoring with 28.05 points per game. Asagwara was a member of the Canada women’s national basketball team for two years and was part of the team at the 2007 Pan American Games. Prior to their election, Asagwara worked full-time as a registered psychiatric nurse specializing in adult and youth mental health and addictions.
Asagwara has a long history as a grassroots community activist, educator, entrepreneur and mental health advocate. They have served as a member of the former Premier’s Advisory Council on education, poverty, and citizenship, and as a member of the Women’s Health Clinic board of directors. In 2014, Asagwara founded Queer People of Colour Winnipeg, a Winnipeg-based initiative that creates safer spaces for and increases the visibility and representation of queer and transgender people of colour.
Legislative Assembly of Manitoba
In the 2019 Manitoba general election, Asagwara was elected to represent the Union Station electoral district. Asagwara, alongside Jamie Moses and Audrey Gordon, is one of the first three Black Canadian MLAs elected in Manitoba.They are also the first queer black person to win a seat and Manitoba’s first gender non-conforming MLA.
Asagwara currently serves as the Manitoba NDP’s health critic. During their time in the legislature, Asagwara has advocated for recognition of Manitoba’s minority communities, and was able to pass a bill marking Somali Heritage Week. In November 2021, Asagwara was re-nominated to represent the NDP in the Union Station riding.
Credit: Wikipedia
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