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Be not afraid of blackness. Some are born black. Some achieve blackness, and others have blackness thrust upon them. —Shakespeare
While Canada did not experience legalized slavery to the same extent as the United States, Black people in Canada have faced their own struggles with colonialism, racial discrimination, and exclusion. From the arrival of the Black Loyalists and the Underground Railroad, to the contributions of Black Canadians in labor movements and civil rights, the Black community in Canada has been deeply intertwined with global movements for freedom, justice, and equality.
Black Canadians have long been engaged in the fight for racial equality. This history is reflected in the ongoing efforts to fight systemic racism in Canada’s institutions. The labor movement has been a critical space for advancing the rights of Black workers, advocating for fair wages, better working conditions, and, crucially, the inclusion of racial justice in labor policies.
In the fourth part of our BHM – Did You Know?! Series, I want to take a moment to highlight just a few of the Black Canadians who have contributed to our society and the labour movement. This list is by no means exhaustive—there are countless individuals, including yourselves, that have fought and continue to fight for Black liberation, often at a cost personally. This article pays homage to those whose efforts pave the way for future generations, ensuring that we never forget the sacrifices made.
The Honourable Lincoln Alexander (1922 – 2012)
Lincoln Alexander, born in 1922, was the first Black Canadian elected to the House of Commons in 1968.
His most groundbreaking achievement came in 1985 when he was appointed as Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor, the first Black person to hold the
position. Alexander was a vocal advocate for racial equality, using his platform to break down barriers for Black Canadians, particularly within politics and the labor movement.
His legacy continues to inspire us to push for a more inclusive society.
Dr. B Denham Jolly (1937 – Present)
Dr. B Denham Jolly is a renowned figure in the media and business sectors in Canada.
Born in Jamaica and relocating to Canada in the 1950s, Dr. Jolly became a key advocate for the rights of Black Canadians.
Through his work in the media, including founding The Gleaner, a Caribbean-Canadian newspaper, Dr. Jolly provided a platform for Black voices and issues to be heard.
His involvement in media has helped shape public discourse around racial justice, ensuring that the Black Canadian experience is represented, discussed, and understood on a national scale.
His contributions to Black empowerment through media are immeasurable.
Hartley Gosline (1949 – Present)
Hartley Gosline, born in 1949, faced racial discrimination in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and became an outspoken voice for racial justice.
One of the most infamous incidents he faced involved a drill corporal telling him to “be white by 6 a.m.” Despite this, Gosline continued to serve and fought against racism within the RCMP.
His story helped bring attention to racial discrimination within
Canadian institutions and his advocacy continues to inspire those fighting for equality.
Abraham Beverley Walker (1831 – 1905)
Abraham Beverley Walker was one of the first Black lawyers in Canada.
Born in the U.S., he escaped slavery and moved to Canada in the 1850s.
Walker became a strong advocate for Black rights, fighting for education, legal equality, and better living conditions for Black Canadians.
His work was foundational in shaping the fight for civil rights in Canada, laying the groundwork for future generations to challenge systemic racism.
Afua Cooper (1957 – Present)
Afua Cooper is a contemporary scholar, poet, and activist who has made significant contributions to the study and promotion of Black Canadian history.
Born in Jamaica, Cooper moved to Canada, where she became a leading voice in the fight for racial justice.
She is well known for her work in preserving and promoting Black history through her scholarly work and her involvement in cultural projects.
Cooper has written extensively on Black Canadian identity, including her book The Hanging of Angélique, which explores the life of Marie-Joseph Angélique, a Black woman who was sentenced to death for burning down her owner’s house in 1734.
Her work has brought much-needed attention to the stories of Black Canadians and their struggles for equality.
Henry Bibb (1815 – 1854)
Henry Bibb, born in Kentucky, was a key abolitionist and one of the leaders of the Black community in Canada.
After escaping slavery, Bibb moved to Canada and became an active voice in the abolitionist movement.
He founded The Voice of the Fugitive, the first Black newspaper in Canada, which advocated for the rights of Black Canadians and the abolition of slavery.
His work helped educate Black Canadians about their rights and highlighted the importance of fighting for racial equality.
Continuing the Journey
This is just a glimpse into the many Black Canadians who have shaped our history and our labour movement.
There are so many more whose names should be remembered and whose legacies we should honor.
Each of these individuals has contributed in their own way to advancing the rights and opportunities of Black people in Canada, and their efforts have made a lasting impact on our society.
As I always say, the journey to discovery and learning should never end. Let us continue to honour their work by advocating for justice and equality in our communities, our workplaces and our country.
Thank you for joining me and remember: the real work begins when we carry these lessons forward into our daily lives and in the labour movement!
Your Unapologetically Black Sister,
Nicole Anozie
Equity Executive Board Member
Coalition of Racialized Workers Board Liaison