Uzoma Asagwara

Uzoma Asagwara is a Canadian politician elected to the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba in the 2019 Manitoba general election.[1] They represent the electoral district of Union Station as a member of the Manitoba New Democratic Party.

Uzoma Asagwara

MLA
Member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba
Assumed office
September 10, 2019
Preceded byfirst member
ConstituencyUnion Station
Personal details
Political partyNew Democratic Party

Prior to their election, Asagwara worked as a psychiatric nurse specializing in adult and youth mental health and addictions.[2] They have a long history as a grassroots community activist, educator, entrepreneur and mental health advocate and currently serve as a member of the Women’s Health Clinic board of directors. Asagwara was also a member of the Canadian national women's basketball and acts as a mentor for youth athletes in downtown Winnipeg.[1]

In 2014, Asagwara founded Queer People of Colour Winnipeg,[3] a Winnipeg-based initiative that creates safer spaces for and increases the visibility and representation of queer and transgender people of colour.

Asagwara, alongside Jamie Moses and Audrey Gordon are the first three Black Canadian MLAs elected in Manitoba.[1] They are also the first queer black person to win a seat[4] and Manitoba's first gender non-conforming MLA.[5]

References
  1. Bryce Hoye, "Meet the rookies: Manitobans elect 13 first-time MLAs". CBC News Manitoba, September 11, 2019.
  2. Wasney, Eva (January 25, 2019). "Asagwara hopes to fill Minto seat". Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved September 11, 2019.
  3. "Meet a Future 40 finalist building relationships — while he builds houses and a new Cree language app". CBC Manitoba. November 19, 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2019.
  4. Hatherly, Dana (September 10, 2019). "Trio of black MLAs make history by winning seats in Manitoba Legislature". CBC News. Retrieved September 11, 2019.
  5. "MLA diversity improves, but more needed". Winnipeg Free Press. October 4, 2019. Retrieved October 9, 2019.


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