Uzoma Asagwara

Uzoma Asagwara is a Canadian politician and retired basketball player. Since 2019, they have represented the Union Station electoral district in the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.[1][2] Asagwara is a member of the Manitoba New Democratic Party (Manitoba NDP).

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

Biography

Asagwara was born in Winnipeg to Igbo Nigerian parents.[3] In 2008, Asagwara completed a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Psychiatric Nursing from the University of Winnipeg and the Brandon University.[4] Asagware was the University of Winnipeg Female Athlete of the Year in 2005-06. In 2007 they led the Canadian Interuniversity Sport in scoring with 28.05 points per game.[5] Asgwara was a member of the Canadian National Basketball Team for two years and was part of the team at the Pan American Games in 2007.[4][6] Prior to their election, Asagwara worked full-time as a registered psychiatric nurse specializing in adult and youth mental health and addictions.[7]

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,[8] and as a member of the Women's Health Clinic board of directors.[9] In 2014, Asagwara founded Queer People of Colour Winnipeg,[10] 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.[1][2] Asagwara, alongside Jamie Moses and Audrey Gordon, is one of the first three Black Canadian MLAs elected in Manitoba.[2] They are also the first queer black person to win a seat[11] and Manitoba's first gender non-conforming MLA.[12]

Asagwara currently serves as the Manitoba NDP's health critic.[13] 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.[14] In November 2021, Asagware has been re-nominated to represent the NDP in the Union Station riding.[15]

Electoral record
2019 Manitoba general election
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
New DemocraticUzoma Asagwara2,63552.23+13.3$17,642.20
LiberalHarold Davis94918.81-4.0$4,328.11
Progressive ConservativeTara Fawcett90818.00-1.6$521.28
GreenAndrea Shalay4739.38-4.8$2,067.06
CommunistElsa Cubas480.95$310.80
Manitoba ForwardJames Yau320.63$0.00
Total valid votes 5,045100.0  
Total rejected ballots
Turnout 43.9
Eligible voters
New Democratic hold Swing +8.2

References
  1. Ononiwu, Elizabeth (October 3, 2019). "Black, Queer and Making History - Meet Uzoma Asagwara". ByBlacks.com. Archived from the original on September 13, 2020. Retrieved December 12, 2020.
  2. Bryce Hoye, "Meet the rookies: Manitobans elect 13 first-time MLAs". CBC News Manitoba, September 11, 2019.
  3. "I didn't know I'd make history in Canada –Uzoma Asagwara, Canadian lawmaker". Punch Newspapers. October 12, 2019. Retrieved October 8, 2021.
  4. Henderson, Rob (September 2020). "Career in Motion: Uzoma Asgwara channels experience as psychatric nurse into new calling as Manitoba MLA" (PDF). Brandon University Magazine. Summer 2020: 14–17.
  5. "Asagwara Named Canada West All-Star". Basketball Manitoba. February 28, 2007. Retrieved February 9, 2022.
  6. "02 - Uzoma Asagwara - Basketball Manitoba Podcast - Basketball Manitoba Podcast". iHeart. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
  7. Wasney, Eva (January 25, 2019). "Asagwara hopes to fill Minto seat". Winnipeg Free Press. Retrieved September 11, 2019.
  8. "Announcing: Four New Board Members". Plug In ICA. December 31, 2017. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
  9. "WOMEN'S HEALTH CLINIC INC. — Charity Data". www.charitydata.ca. Retrieved February 10, 2022.
  10. "Meet a Future 40 finalist building relationships — while he builds houses and a new Cree language app". CBC News. November 19, 2018. Retrieved September 11, 2019.
  11. Hatherly, Dana (September 10, 2019). "Trio of black MLAs make history by winning seats in Manitoba Legislature". CBC News. Retrieved September 11, 2019.
  12. "MLA diversity improves, but more needed". Winnipeg Free Press. October 4, 2019. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
  13. "Critics blast province for lack of preparation as COVID-19's fourth wave looms". winnipegsun. Retrieved October 8, 2021.
  14. "MLA Uzoma Asagwara Passes First Bill Marking Somali Heritage Week". Your Manitoba. Retrieved October 8, 2021.
  15. "NDP's Uzoma Asagwara re-nominated to run in Union Station riding - Winnipeg | Globalnews.ca". CJOB. Retrieved February 9, 2022.
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