Black History Month: Black Canadians That Shaped Canadian Culture
By Chloe Quach ’25, Staff Writer; Edited by Kat Willson ’26, Editor-in-Chief
Black Canadians have been at the forefront of resistance, innovation, and change—challenging systemic oppression while shaping the nation’s cultural, political, and social landscape since the first enslaved people arrived in 1604. Their contributions are not just stories of individual success. These struggles represent parts of a larger struggle for justice, equality, and representation. The fight against anti-Black racism in Canada is often overshadowed by the same struggle centred in other countries. Yet, Black Canadians continuously carve out space and demand rights from Canadian lawmakers and politicians. This article will touch on four changemakers in three categories whose legacies continue to shape Canada’s future: Activists, Artists, and Politicians. The fight for racial justice in Canada has often been silenced or neglected due to Canada’s reputation as a peaceful country in comparison to its neighbours. Still, trailblazers like Viola Desmond and Carrie Best refused to accept the status quo. Their work in activism forced Canada to reckon with its own systems of racial discrimination.
Viola Desmond, a businesswoman in Nova Scotia, refused to leave the whites-only section of a movie theatre. She was arrested, fined, and convicted in a trial where she was not even informed of her right to legal representation. Her case became a symbol of the civil rights struggle in Canada, exposing its deeply ingrained racial segregation. Her conviction was not ever overturned in her lifetime. In 2018, Desmond was honoured as the first Black woman to appear on Canadian currency as a recognition of her contributions to civil rights.
Carrie Best, a journalist and activist, represented the struggles of Black Canadians by using the power of media and broadcasting. In 1946, the same year as Viola Desmond’s arrest, she founded The Clarion, one of Canada’s first Black-owned newspapers. Through her newspaper, she exposed racial discrimination, including the very injustice Desmond faced. Best continued to fight for civil rights throughout her life, advocating for social change through journalism, radio, and legal activism. Her pursuit of justice highlighted the importance of Black-led media representing marginalized voices and holding political and legal systems accountable.
Elijah McCoy, an inventor and mechanical engineer, transformed industrial engineering with his groundbreaking inventions. McCoy was the son of formerly enslaved people who escaped to Canada via the Underground Railroad. It was known that he showed early talent and fascination for mechanics. Despite facing systemic racism that denied him many job opportunities, he created over 50 patents which reformed railway lubrication systems. His inventions set the standard, so much so that buyers requested “the real McCoy”—a phrase that became synonymous with authenticity. McCoy’s legacy is a testament to Black ingenuity and resilience in the face of systemic barriers.
Jean Augustine made history as the first Black woman elected to Canada’s House of Commons. She is a passionate advocate for education, women’s rights, and racial equality - she introduced the motion to officially recognize February as Black History Month in Canada, a milestone in acknowledging the contributions of Black Canadians. Augustine played a critical role in shaping policies that addressed systemic racism and participates in various social justice initiatives today. Her work reinforces the importance of Black political leadership in shaping a more progressive Canada. The contributions of these four individuals are blueprints for ongoing resistance and progress—their struggles and triumphs remind us that the fight against anti-Black racism in Canada is not over. Their legacies serve as a call to action: challenge systemic barriers, amplify Black voices, and push for lasting change. Black history is Canadian history and must continue to be recognized and celebrated.
