Tag: Black Canadians

Black History in British Columbia

Learn more about the history of Black Canadians in our province. “The British Columbia Black History Awareness Society (BCBHAS) celebrates the achievements of Black people in British Columbia by creating an awareness of the history of Blacks in B.C., stimulating interest in the contributions of persons of African ancestry to B.C. and Canada today, and celebrating historical and contemporary achievements in the arts, education, government, sports, science etc.” BC Black History Awareness Society.

Visit the virtual museum exhibit: British Columbia’s Black Pioneers: Their Industry and Character Influenced the Vision of Canada

Lincoln Alexander Day

Lincoln Alexander was born on this day in 1922 in Toronto. He would go on to become Lt. Governor of Ontario.

Mr. Alexander was the son of immigrants from Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He would grow up in Toronto, serve in the RCAF during World War Two, earn degrees from McMaster University and York University, and eventually go on to practice law. In the 1960’s he entered politics, and in 1968 was elected to the House of Commons, the first Black Canadian to become a Member of Parliament. He would later become the first Black Canadian to become a Cabinet Minister, serving in the brief Joe Clark government of 1979. In 1985 Lincoln Alexander became the Lt. Governor of Ontario, a post he held until 1991, again the first Black Canadian to hold a vice-regal position. Mr. Alexander died in 2012. In 2015 the government of Canada established January 21 as Lincoln Alexander Day.

Find out more:

The Canadian Encyclopedia

Parliament of Canada

Province of Ontario

Lt. Governors of Ontario

CBC.ca

Black History Month: Learn More

February is Black History Month in Canada. As February comes to a close, it is important to remember that while we make a point of emphasizing Black History this month, we know that Black History is Canadian History, and as such it is something to learn and celebrate every month of the year.

Here are some more online resources to help you continue to explore Black History in Canada:

BC Black History Awareness Society

A Black People’s History of Canada

29 Black History Month Facts You Should Know

Canadian Museum for Human Rights: Black History

CBC: 23 Historical Black Canadians You Should Know

Black History in Canada: 1960 to Present

19 Canadian books to check out during Black History Month 2024

Historica: Black History

Learn About Some Black Canadians

From Canada.ca, here are introductions to just a few noteworthy Black Canadians that perhaps you haven’t learned about yet. “Read the biographies of some notable Black people in Canada who have helped shape Canadian heritage and identity, and who have made and continue to make enormous contributions to the wellbeing, and prosperity of our country.” Read the entire post at Black History Month: Noteworthy Figures

February is Black History Month. Find out more by visiting us in person, or online at tweedsmuirlibrary.ca

Black History Month

February is Black History Month. Join us in the School Library as we explore, acknowledge and celebrate Black History, with an emphasis on the experience of Canadians of African descent, African-Americans, and other peoples in the world-wide African diaspora.

Lincoln Alexander Day

Lincoln Alexander was born on this day in 1922 in Toronto. He would go on to become Lt. Governor of Ontario.

Mr. Alexander was the son of immigrants from Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. He would grow up in Toronto, serve in the RCAF during World War Two, earn degrees from McMaster University and York University, and eventually go on to practice law. In the 1960’s he entered politics, and in 1968 was elected to the House of Commons, the first Black Canadian to become a Member of Parliament. He would later become the first Black Canadian to become a Cabinet Minister, serving in the brief Joe Clark government of 1979. In 1985 Lincoln Alexander became the Lt. Governor of Ontario, a post he held until 1991, again the first Black Canadian to hold a vice-regal position. Mr. Alexander died in 2012. In 2015 the government of Canada established January 21 as Lincoln Alexander Day.

Find out more:

The Canadian Encyclopedia

Parliament of Canada

Province of Ontario

Lt. Governors of Ontario

CBC.ca

Black History in British Columbia

Learn more about the history of Black Canadians in our province. “For close to 30 years BC Black History Awareness Society has hosted a Black History Month program to recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of historical and contemporary people of African descent.” BC Black History Awareness Society.

Source: BCHSAS

Visit the virtual museum exhibit: British Columbia’s Black Pioneers.