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Publications

MY BOOKS

The Kids Book of Black History in Canada

An important and comprehensive exploration of 400 years of Black history in Canada.

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This narrative journey through Black history in Canada begins with the arrival in 1604 of Mathieu Da Costa, the first known African in the country, and continues through the Black Lives Matter movement and the ongoing fight for social justice.

 

A one-of-a-kind book, it contains inspiring and thought-provoking stories of the people involved in Canada’s legacy of slavery, the Black Loyalist and Exoduster movements, the Underground Railroad and the fight for civil rights.

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Mary Ann Shadd

Mary Ann Shadd played a crucial role in

shaping Canada as a safe haven for those

escaping bondage in the U.S.

 

Her insightful observations and reporting not only provided valuable information but

also marked her historic achievement as

the first Black woman in North America to

publish a newspaper.

Harriet Tubman – Freedom Seeker, Freedom Leader

This book traces the contribution

of freedom seeker, Harriet Tubman,

including her years in Canada, and her role

with the Underground Railroad.

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FEATURED ARTICLES

Order of Ontario recipient Rosemary Sadlier 'as tenacious as ever'

'Sadlier has given thousands of talks in schools and community settings,' writes the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell.

 

Having led successful national campaigns for commemorations, published seven books about the subject, and received the Order of Ontario for her contributions, the Toronto-born historian is keen to make clear how much work there is still to be done.

Author and historian Rosemary Sadlier, who led the adoption of Black History Month across Canada, receives U of T honorary degree 

"Rosemary Sadlier has recalled, as a child, being asked where her father had come from – a question that arose because of the colour of his skin and suggested, “You don’t belong here.”

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The query also suggested an ignorance of Black Canadian history, which stuck with Sadlier and played a role in shaping her career as an acclaimed author, historian, educator and social justice advocate who led a campaign to declare February Black History Month in Canada.

The long road to Emancipation Day

Slavery was officially banned in all of the British colonies in 1834 and Emancipation Day was just officially recognized by Parliament in March 2021. But for years, there were people working to getting the day recognized across the country. Nova Scotia is a small world — even more so amongst its Black residents. There were many familiar Black faces among the crowd that evening. Though it was a Black Canadian woman from out of province who Bernard gave credit to for her efforts to have Emancipation Day officially recognized in Canada.

Celebrating Black History: A Conversation with Rosemary Sadlier

Black History Month is an invitation for everyone to commemorate the achievements of Black Canadians from all periods of Black history, while acknowledging the ongoing realities of anti-Black racism.

While Black History Month was intended to be a time for learning and reflecting on Black history and heritage, and for celebrating milestones, it’s important to be mindful that learning is a journey that is lifelong. Black History Month was never meant to be the only time we focus on or acknowledge “Blackness.”

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