The Black presence in Canada...
CANADA'S BLACK HISTORY
Origins and chronology
Despite a presence in Canada that dates back further than Samuel de Champlain's first voyage down the St. Lawrence River, peoples of African descent are conspicuously absent from Canadian history books. The same pattern of omission of the achievements and contributions of African peoples exists in the United States. For this reason, African-American historian Carter G. Woodson proposed an observance to honour the accomplishments of Black Americans. This led to the establishment of Negro History Week in 1926. Though no one knows for sure, Woodson is believed to have chosen February for this observance because the birthdays of the renowned abolitionist Frederick Douglass (Feb. 14) and former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12) fall in this month. During the early 1970s, the week became known as Black History Week and it was later expanded into Black History Month in 1976. In December of 1995, the Parliament of Canada officially recognized February as Black History Month, following a motion introduced by the first African-Canadian woman elected to Parliament, Jean Augustine, P.C., M.P. of Etobicoke-Lakeshore in Ontario and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister. The motion was carried unanimously by the House of Commons.
An abbreviated chronology
1800 to 1865 Approximately 20,000 blacks found their way into Canada via the Underground Railroad. Harriet Tubman, one of the most famous conductors on the Underground Railroad, spirited several hundred fugitive slaves into Canada, despite a $40,000 reward for her capture, dead or alive.
1812 The Cochrane Proclamation invites refugees of the War of 1812 to become British citizens through residence in British territory, including Canada. The settlement of Oro is established by the government for black veterans of the War of 1812. A Coloured Corps is formed after petitioning by black veteran Richard Pierpoint.
1833 The British Imperial Act abolishes slavery in the British Empire (which included Canada) effective August 1, 1834.
1850 The second Fugitive Slave Act is passed in the United States, placing all people of African descent at risk. The Underground Railroad steps up its operations - freeing enslaved blacks by transporting them into Canada. The Common Schools Act is passed in Ontario, permitting the development of segregated schools. The last segregated school in Ontario closed in the 1950s.
1853 Mary Ann Shadd left teaching in the U.S. to join with Isaac Ward and her brother Isaac in publishing and editing the Provincial Freeman, one of the two black newspapers published in Ontario from 1853-1857. Mary Ann Shadd is acknowledged as the first black newspaperwoman and the first woman publisher of a newspaper in Canada.
1857 William Hall of Nova Scotia became the first Canadian Sailor and the first person of African descent to receive the Victoria Cross for bravery and distinguished service.
1861 Dr. Anderson Ruffin Abbott became Canada's first doctor of African descent.
1885 Delos Roget Davis of Amherstburg, Ontario became one of Ontario's first black lawyers. He was appointed King's Council in 1910.
1894 William Peyton Hubbard became the first black council member elected to Toronto City Council, and was re-elected council member for 13 successive elections. He served on the Board of Control, and as acting Mayor on a number of occasions.
1905 The beginning of the Black Trek, the migration of dissatisfied African-Americans from Oklahoma to the Canadian prairies. That year, a group led by W.E.B. DuBois and Monroe Trotter met secretly in Niagara, Ontario, to organize resistance to U.S. racism.
1914 During the First World War, black Canadians joined combat units, despite opposition, and in 1916, a segregated unit, the Nova Scotia Number 2 Construction Battalion, was formed.
1939 In the Second World War, authorities again try to keep blacks out of the armed forces, but blacks insist on serving their country. Eventually, they join all services.
1948 Ruth Bailey and Gwennyth Barton became the first blacks to graduate from a Canadian School of Nursing.
1950's New laws make it illegal to refuse to let people work, to receive service in stores or restaurants or to move into a home because of race.
1951 The Reverend Addie Aylestock became the first black woman to be ordained a minister in Canada. The following year, Wilson Brooks, an RCAF Veteran, became Toronto's first black public school teacher, and in 1959, Stanley Grizzle was the first black person to run for a seat in the Ontario Legislature. In 1963, Leonard Braithwaite, elected to the Ontario legislature, was the first black to serve in a provincial legislature in Canada.
1962 Daniel G. Hill, an American-born black activist and writer who moved to Canada in 1950, was made the firstdirector of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, the first government agency in Canada set up to protect citizens from discrimination. Hill later became chair of the Commission.
1968 Canada saw the election of its first black Member of Parliament - The Honourable Lincoln Alexander, of Hamilton. In 1979, he became Canada's first black cabinet minister, as Minister of Labour in the federal government. In 1985, he became Ontario's first black Lieutenant Governor, and the first black to be appointed to a vice-regal position in Canada.
1969 The first Black History Week was celebrated. Maurice Alexander Charles became the first black provincial judge of Ontario.
1978 The Ontario Black History Society is founded by Dr. Daniel Hill, Wilson Brooks and Lorraine Hubbard. The Society is dedicated to the acknowledgement and preservation of the contributions to Canada's development by Canadian blacks.
1991 Julius Alexander Isaac, a native of Grenada, was named Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Canada. He becomes the first black Chief Justice in Canada and the first to serve on the Federal Court.
1993 Jean Augustine was sworn in as Canada's first black female Member of Parliament.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Citizenship
2005 On September 27, Michaëlle Jean became Canada's first black governor general and only the third woman to be appointed to that position.
BLACK HISTORY OTTAWA
Showcasing the achievements of Black people in all aspects of the Canadian mosaic
Black History Ottawa (BHO) is a non-profit community based organization that works towards the empowerment and unity of the National Capital Region’s Black community. It is the central organizer and the driving force behind Black History Month (BHM) in Ottawa.
From its inception, BHO has forged valuable partnerships with many community organizations and public institutions including: The National Library of Canada; Ottawa Public Library, Canadian Museum of Nature, City of Ottawa and Canadian Heritage to successfully promote BHM celebrations in the National Capital Region.
Prior to 1985, the Barbados (Ottawa) Association highlighted the achievements of peoples of African descent in a week-long celebration. Later, 10 Black associations in the Ottawa area came together to create a committee called the Black History Month Committee. The Black History Month Committee was inaugurated in 1986 and later renamed Black History Ottawa. Since then, Black History Ottawa has been coordinating and presenting activities celebrating Black History Month in the Nation’s Capital.
These activities honour the numerous achievements and contributions of people of African-descent in fields such as: Science; Medicine; Literature; the Arts, Sports etc. They also serve to acknowledge the roles Blacks have played in the growth and development of the Canadian society and culture. Thus, Black History Ottawa will continue to promote our most prized possession: our Heritage.
The main objectives of the organization are:
- to showcase the achievements of Black people in all aspects of the Canadian mosaic, including civic participation, the arts, physical and social sciences, technology and health;
- to recognize and pay tribute to the contributions of Black Canadians to the settlement, growth and development of Canada;
- to help improve awareness of fellow citizens about the contributions that persons of African ancestry have made/are making to Canada's development;
- to develop a better understanding of “the Black experience” in Canada and the diversity of the Black community;
- to encourage our youth to value their legacy and to aspire to be leaders, pioneers and innovators;
- to contribute to the welfare and well-being of Black people as part of the larger Canadian community;
- to promote Black History Month and all events and activities put on by various- organizations to celebrate BHM;
- to develop resource materials for schools and public institutions that require assistance in the delivery of their BHM programming.
For more information about Black History Ottawa or Black History Month activities in Ottawa, contact [email protected] or visit www.blackhistoryottawa.org
Ontario Black History Society (Toronto, ON)
Founded in 1978, the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) was created to study, preserve and promote Black history to address the absence of African-Canadian educational/historical material. A provincial heritage organization, the OBHS is the leading voice in the celebration of February as Black History Month (BHM) as well as official recognition of August 1 as Emancipation Day.
The OBHS creates the official OBHS BHM poster, launch events, the annual BHM brunch and Emancipation Day celebrations. It also creates permanent, virtual and travelling exhibits (in cooperation with Parks Canada, Historica and the Archives of Ontario). The OBHS offers: year-round presentations and tours; a resource centre with library, historic photographs, film, oral history tapes and special collections; and professional development, conferences and advocacy. The OBHS is proud to initiate the commemoration of historic people, places and events.
Website: www.blackhistorysociety.ca
BLACK HISTORY ACROSS CANADA
African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia
http://www.gov.ns.ca/ansa/AHMevents.asp
Department of African Nova Scotian Affairs
The Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs assists, supports, and enhances the provincial government's delivery of services to African Nova Scotians and is a partner in developing innovative solutions that lead to self reliance and sustainable development for African Nova Scotians and their communities.
Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia
Historical information, upcoming events, music, heroes, and stories located at Dartmouth.
www.bccns.com/
Nanaimo African Heritage Society
President and Founder:Shalema Gantt
tel.: (250) 729-9332
Email Address: [email protected]
Website: http://www.nanaimoafricanheritagesociety.com/site/
BC Black History Awareness Society
216 Michigan St., Victoria B.C. V8V 1R3
Tel.: 250-385-5179
Email: Mavis DeGirolamo, President, at [email protected]
Website: http://www.islandnet.com/~bcbhas/
The Afro News
http://www.theafronews.ca/
#610 – 825 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1K9
Telephone: +1 (604) 646-0474
Facsimile: +1 (604) 646-0473
Sales E-mail: [email protected]
Editor E-mail: [email protected]
Info E-mail: [email protected]
BHM 2011 in Montreal
La Table Ronde du Mois de l’Histoire des Noirs
Renseignements : [email protected]
Téléphone : 514-282-6336
Web: www.moishistoiredesnoirs.com
Mois de l'histoire des Noirs à Montréal
Organisé par la Table ronde du Mois de l’histoire des Noirs et soutenu par divers partenaires dont le ministère de l’Immigration et des Communautés culturelles, le Mois de l’histoire des Noirs a pour but de souligner, par le rappel de faits historiques, la contribution des communautés noires au développement de la société québécoise.
http://www.quebecinterculturel.gouv.qc.ca/fr/evenements/mois-histoire-noirs/index.html
À la suite d'une recommandation du Groupe de travail sur la pleine participation à la société québécoise des communautés noires, l’Assemblée nationale a adopté en novembre 2006 un projet de loi visant à faire du mois de février le Mois de l'histoire des Noirs, à l'instigation de la ministre de l'Immigration et des Communautés culturelles.
Alberta's Black Pioneer Heritage
http://blackpioneers.albertasource.ca/history/index.html
A treasure trove of information about Black pioneer settlement in Albert.
Origins and chronology
Despite a presence in Canada that dates back further than Samuel de Champlain's first voyage down the St. Lawrence River, peoples of African descent are conspicuously absent from Canadian history books. The same pattern of omission of the achievements and contributions of African peoples exists in the United States. For this reason, African-American historian Carter G. Woodson proposed an observance to honour the accomplishments of Black Americans. This led to the establishment of Negro History Week in 1926. Though no one knows for sure, Woodson is believed to have chosen February for this observance because the birthdays of the renowned abolitionist Frederick Douglass (Feb. 14) and former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12) fall in this month. During the early 1970s, the week became known as Black History Week and it was later expanded into Black History Month in 1976. In December of 1995, the Parliament of Canada officially recognized February as Black History Month, following a motion introduced by the first African-Canadian woman elected to Parliament, Jean Augustine, P.C., M.P. of Etobicoke-Lakeshore in Ontario and Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister. The motion was carried unanimously by the House of Commons.
An abbreviated chronology
1800 to 1865 Approximately 20,000 blacks found their way into Canada via the Underground Railroad. Harriet Tubman, one of the most famous conductors on the Underground Railroad, spirited several hundred fugitive slaves into Canada, despite a $40,000 reward for her capture, dead or alive.
1812 The Cochrane Proclamation invites refugees of the War of 1812 to become British citizens through residence in British territory, including Canada. The settlement of Oro is established by the government for black veterans of the War of 1812. A Coloured Corps is formed after petitioning by black veteran Richard Pierpoint.
1833 The British Imperial Act abolishes slavery in the British Empire (which included Canada) effective August 1, 1834.
1850 The second Fugitive Slave Act is passed in the United States, placing all people of African descent at risk. The Underground Railroad steps up its operations - freeing enslaved blacks by transporting them into Canada. The Common Schools Act is passed in Ontario, permitting the development of segregated schools. The last segregated school in Ontario closed in the 1950s.
1853 Mary Ann Shadd left teaching in the U.S. to join with Isaac Ward and her brother Isaac in publishing and editing the Provincial Freeman, one of the two black newspapers published in Ontario from 1853-1857. Mary Ann Shadd is acknowledged as the first black newspaperwoman and the first woman publisher of a newspaper in Canada.
1857 William Hall of Nova Scotia became the first Canadian Sailor and the first person of African descent to receive the Victoria Cross for bravery and distinguished service.
1861 Dr. Anderson Ruffin Abbott became Canada's first doctor of African descent.
1885 Delos Roget Davis of Amherstburg, Ontario became one of Ontario's first black lawyers. He was appointed King's Council in 1910.
1894 William Peyton Hubbard became the first black council member elected to Toronto City Council, and was re-elected council member for 13 successive elections. He served on the Board of Control, and as acting Mayor on a number of occasions.
1905 The beginning of the Black Trek, the migration of dissatisfied African-Americans from Oklahoma to the Canadian prairies. That year, a group led by W.E.B. DuBois and Monroe Trotter met secretly in Niagara, Ontario, to organize resistance to U.S. racism.
1914 During the First World War, black Canadians joined combat units, despite opposition, and in 1916, a segregated unit, the Nova Scotia Number 2 Construction Battalion, was formed.
1939 In the Second World War, authorities again try to keep blacks out of the armed forces, but blacks insist on serving their country. Eventually, they join all services.
1948 Ruth Bailey and Gwennyth Barton became the first blacks to graduate from a Canadian School of Nursing.
1950's New laws make it illegal to refuse to let people work, to receive service in stores or restaurants or to move into a home because of race.
1951 The Reverend Addie Aylestock became the first black woman to be ordained a minister in Canada. The following year, Wilson Brooks, an RCAF Veteran, became Toronto's first black public school teacher, and in 1959, Stanley Grizzle was the first black person to run for a seat in the Ontario Legislature. In 1963, Leonard Braithwaite, elected to the Ontario legislature, was the first black to serve in a provincial legislature in Canada.
1962 Daniel G. Hill, an American-born black activist and writer who moved to Canada in 1950, was made the firstdirector of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, the first government agency in Canada set up to protect citizens from discrimination. Hill later became chair of the Commission.
1968 Canada saw the election of its first black Member of Parliament - The Honourable Lincoln Alexander, of Hamilton. In 1979, he became Canada's first black cabinet minister, as Minister of Labour in the federal government. In 1985, he became Ontario's first black Lieutenant Governor, and the first black to be appointed to a vice-regal position in Canada.
1969 The first Black History Week was celebrated. Maurice Alexander Charles became the first black provincial judge of Ontario.
1978 The Ontario Black History Society is founded by Dr. Daniel Hill, Wilson Brooks and Lorraine Hubbard. The Society is dedicated to the acknowledgement and preservation of the contributions to Canada's development by Canadian blacks.
1991 Julius Alexander Isaac, a native of Grenada, was named Chief Justice of the Federal Court of Canada. He becomes the first black Chief Justice in Canada and the first to serve on the Federal Court.
1993 Jean Augustine was sworn in as Canada's first black female Member of Parliament.
Source: Ontario Ministry of Citizenship
2005 On September 27, Michaëlle Jean became Canada's first black governor general and only the third woman to be appointed to that position.
BLACK HISTORY OTTAWA
Showcasing the achievements of Black people in all aspects of the Canadian mosaic
Black History Ottawa (BHO) is a non-profit community based organization that works towards the empowerment and unity of the National Capital Region’s Black community. It is the central organizer and the driving force behind Black History Month (BHM) in Ottawa.
From its inception, BHO has forged valuable partnerships with many community organizations and public institutions including: The National Library of Canada; Ottawa Public Library, Canadian Museum of Nature, City of Ottawa and Canadian Heritage to successfully promote BHM celebrations in the National Capital Region.
Prior to 1985, the Barbados (Ottawa) Association highlighted the achievements of peoples of African descent in a week-long celebration. Later, 10 Black associations in the Ottawa area came together to create a committee called the Black History Month Committee. The Black History Month Committee was inaugurated in 1986 and later renamed Black History Ottawa. Since then, Black History Ottawa has been coordinating and presenting activities celebrating Black History Month in the Nation’s Capital.
These activities honour the numerous achievements and contributions of people of African-descent in fields such as: Science; Medicine; Literature; the Arts, Sports etc. They also serve to acknowledge the roles Blacks have played in the growth and development of the Canadian society and culture. Thus, Black History Ottawa will continue to promote our most prized possession: our Heritage.
The main objectives of the organization are:
- to showcase the achievements of Black people in all aspects of the Canadian mosaic, including civic participation, the arts, physical and social sciences, technology and health;
- to recognize and pay tribute to the contributions of Black Canadians to the settlement, growth and development of Canada;
- to help improve awareness of fellow citizens about the contributions that persons of African ancestry have made/are making to Canada's development;
- to develop a better understanding of “the Black experience” in Canada and the diversity of the Black community;
- to encourage our youth to value their legacy and to aspire to be leaders, pioneers and innovators;
- to contribute to the welfare and well-being of Black people as part of the larger Canadian community;
- to promote Black History Month and all events and activities put on by various- organizations to celebrate BHM;
- to develop resource materials for schools and public institutions that require assistance in the delivery of their BHM programming.
For more information about Black History Ottawa or Black History Month activities in Ottawa, contact [email protected] or visit www.blackhistoryottawa.org
Ontario Black History Society (Toronto, ON)
Founded in 1978, the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) was created to study, preserve and promote Black history to address the absence of African-Canadian educational/historical material. A provincial heritage organization, the OBHS is the leading voice in the celebration of February as Black History Month (BHM) as well as official recognition of August 1 as Emancipation Day.
The OBHS creates the official OBHS BHM poster, launch events, the annual BHM brunch and Emancipation Day celebrations. It also creates permanent, virtual and travelling exhibits (in cooperation with Parks Canada, Historica and the Archives of Ontario). The OBHS offers: year-round presentations and tours; a resource centre with library, historic photographs, film, oral history tapes and special collections; and professional development, conferences and advocacy. The OBHS is proud to initiate the commemoration of historic people, places and events.
Website: www.blackhistorysociety.ca
BLACK HISTORY ACROSS CANADA
African Heritage Month in Nova Scotia
http://www.gov.ns.ca/ansa/AHMevents.asp
Department of African Nova Scotian Affairs
The Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs assists, supports, and enhances the provincial government's delivery of services to African Nova Scotians and is a partner in developing innovative solutions that lead to self reliance and sustainable development for African Nova Scotians and their communities.
Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia
Historical information, upcoming events, music, heroes, and stories located at Dartmouth.
www.bccns.com/
Nanaimo African Heritage Society
President and Founder:Shalema Gantt
tel.: (250) 729-9332
Email Address: [email protected]
Website: http://www.nanaimoafricanheritagesociety.com/site/
BC Black History Awareness Society
216 Michigan St., Victoria B.C. V8V 1R3
Tel.: 250-385-5179
Email: Mavis DeGirolamo, President, at [email protected]
Website: http://www.islandnet.com/~bcbhas/
The Afro News
http://www.theafronews.ca/
#610 – 825 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1K9
Telephone: +1 (604) 646-0474
Facsimile: +1 (604) 646-0473
Sales E-mail: [email protected]
Editor E-mail: [email protected]
Info E-mail: [email protected]
BHM 2011 in Montreal
La Table Ronde du Mois de l’Histoire des Noirs
Renseignements : [email protected]
Téléphone : 514-282-6336
Web: www.moishistoiredesnoirs.com
Mois de l'histoire des Noirs à Montréal
Organisé par la Table ronde du Mois de l’histoire des Noirs et soutenu par divers partenaires dont le ministère de l’Immigration et des Communautés culturelles, le Mois de l’histoire des Noirs a pour but de souligner, par le rappel de faits historiques, la contribution des communautés noires au développement de la société québécoise.
http://www.quebecinterculturel.gouv.qc.ca/fr/evenements/mois-histoire-noirs/index.html
À la suite d'une recommandation du Groupe de travail sur la pleine participation à la société québécoise des communautés noires, l’Assemblée nationale a adopté en novembre 2006 un projet de loi visant à faire du mois de février le Mois de l'histoire des Noirs, à l'instigation de la ministre de l'Immigration et des Communautés culturelles.
Alberta's Black Pioneer Heritage
http://blackpioneers.albertasource.ca/history/index.html
A treasure trove of information about Black pioneer settlement in Albert.