Uzoma Asagwara facts for kids

Uzoma Asagwara is a Canadian politician. They are currently the Deputy Premier of Manitoba and also the Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-term Care. This means they help lead the government in Manitoba and are in charge of health services for people of all ages. Before becoming a politician, Uzoma was a nurse and a basketball player. Since 2019, they have been a member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, representing the area called Union Station. They are part of the Manitoba New Democratic Party.

About Uzoma Asagwara

Uzoma Asagwara was born in Winnipeg, a city in Manitoba, Canada. Their parents came from Nigeria. In 2008, Uzoma earned a degree in Psychiatric Nursing from the University of Winnipeg and Brandon University.

Uzoma was a talented athlete. They were named the University of Winnipeg Female Athlete of the Year in 2005–06. In 2007, they were the top scorer in Canadian university basketball. Uzoma was also a member of the Canada women's national basketball team for two years. They even played in the 2007 Pan American Games.

Before entering politics, Uzoma worked full-time as a registered psychiatric nurse. They specialized in helping adults and young people with mental health and addiction issues.

Uzoma also helped the community in other ways. They were part of the Premier's Advisory Council, which gave advice on education, poverty, and citizenship. They also served on the board of directors for the Women's Health Clinic. In 2014, Uzoma started a group called Queer People of Colour Winnipeg. This group works to support the rights and safety of people of colour in the city.

Time in the Legislative Assembly

In the 2019 Manitoba general election, Uzoma Asagwara was chosen by voters to represent the Union Station electoral district. When they were elected, Uzoma, along with Jamie Moses and Audrey Gordon, became one of the first three Black Canadian Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Manitoba's history. An MLA is a person elected to make laws for the province.

While their party was not in power, Uzoma served as the health critic for the Manitoba New Democratic Party. This meant they spoke out about health issues and suggested improvements. During their time in the legislature, Uzoma has worked to make sure Manitoba's diverse communities are recognized. They successfully helped pass a bill to create Somali Heritage Week. In November 2021, Uzoma was chosen again to represent the NDP in the Union Station area for the next election.

See also

In Spanish: Uzoma Asagwara para niños