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Black History Month: Canadian History

Celebrating Black History Month

Noteable Black Canadians

Mary Ann Shadd Cary (1823–1893)

"Writer, educator, lawyer, abolitionist and the first Black newspaperwoman in North America."

Mifflin Wistar Gibbs (1823–1915)

"Became the first Black person to hold public office in British Columbia."

William Neilson Hall (1829-1904)

"First Black Canadian to receive the Victoria Cross."

Portia May White (1911-1968)

"Internationally famous contralto."

Viola Davis Desmond (1914–1965)

"Businesswoman and civil rights activist."

Lincoln Alexander (1922–2012)

"First Black Canadian member of Parliament (1968), Cabinet minister (1979) and Lieutenant-Governor (1985-1991)."

Oscar Peterson (1925-2007)

"World-renowned Jazz Musician."

Violet King (1929–1982)

"First Black female lawyer in Canada."

Rosemary Brown (1930–2003)

"First Black woman elected to a Canadian legislature (B.C.)"

Willie O'Ree (b. 1935)

"First Black hockey player to play in the NHL."

Michaëlle Jean (b. 1957)

"27th Governor General of Canada."

George Elliot Clarke (b. 1960)

"Poet, novelist, playwright, and critic. Poet Laureate of Toronto (2012-2015). Poet Laureate of the Parliament of Canada (2016–2017)."

Angela James (b. 1964)

"Led the Canadian women’s hockey team to four world championships (1990, 1992, 1994, and 1997). One of the first two women and the second Black athlete ever to be inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame (2010)."

Esi Edugyan (b. 1978)

"Award-winning Author (Giller Prize in 2011 and 2018)."

Noteworthy Black Canadians (Resources)

Black History in Canada (Resources)

 

Timeline of Black History in Canada

Peter Turkstra Library,  Redeemer University , 777 Garner Road East, Ancaster, ON, L9K 1J4, Canada
Circulation Desk Telephone: 905.648.2139 ext. 4266, Email:   library@redeemer.ca