Black icons throughout Canadian history

February has been recognized as Black History Month in Canada since 1996. There are so many ways that individuals can celebrate Black history during this month, including by educating themselves. To get you started, here are five notable Black Canadians who have made an impact on Canadian history.
Viola Desmond
Just recently in 2023, The Grand Theatre in Downtown London staged a production of Controlled Damage, which tells the story of Viola Desmond. When I saw the production, I found it very emotionally impactful. Desmond made history in 1946 at the Roseland Theatre in New Glasgow, NS. In a time of segregation, Desmond did the unimaginable, sitting in a section reserved to white people in the cinema. While her decision led to her being jailed, her legacy lives on. Today, you can find Desmond on the $10 Canadian bill.
Rita Cox
Rita Cox is highly recognized as a storyteller who aimed to promote the stories of Black and Caribbean literature. She was born in Toronto, Ont., but has a family background from Jamaica in the Caribbean. Cox began her career as a librarian and that position opened the door to her storytelling. Cox has achieved many awards and her work has helped many become aware of Canadian and Caribbean histories through folklore, myths, tales, and others.
George Elliot Clarke
From Windsor, NS came a poet, playwright, and professor, named George Elliot Clarke. His work in literature focused on the history of Black lives and their complexities. Some of his best-known works are his poetry collections such as Execution Poems, and Whylah Fall. Clarke took his advocacy even further when he became a professor at the University of Toronto, inspiring many through discussions of Afro-Canadian literature.
Juliette Gauthier
One of the very first Black female lawyers in Canada, Juliette Gauthier, pursued her legal education at the University of Montreal. In a time where there wasn’t much Black representation in the industry, Gauthier made history. This move inspired many to pursue their own careers and it had a significant impact during that time in 1978. Gauthier’s hard work paid off not only for herself, but also helped change what the Canadian legal system looks like to this day.
Lincoln Alexander
A Torontonian, Lincoln Alexander was the first Black parliament member in Canada. Elected to his role in 1968, Alexander played an imperative role in Canadian politics. Alexander wore many hats as he was previously a pilot in the Royal Air Canadian Air Force in World War II, and later after his time in parliament, he became the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and was the first Black individual to hold that position. Alexander’s legacy remains, after the impact his positions had on the Black community across Canada.
Learning about the past can remind us of the importance of Black history. While respecting Black History Month by supporting Black-owned businesses is a great way to celebrate, it’s also important to learn through reading articles and watching movies or productions on the people who have made history.