Black Excellence

Black Canadian contributions

Black Canadians have made invaluable contributions to Canada in politics, technological innovation, sports, education, military service, and the arts—all during periods of history characterized by pervasive racism and discrimination.

The concept of Black excellence challenges negative stereotypes and showcases the remarkable achievements of Black individuals across diverse fields. Breaking through historical barriers and systemic discrimination, Black Excellence represents the triumph of talent, courage, perseverance, and triumph against the backdrop of adversity.

Here are some examples of Black excellence in Canada. They are a small representation of the significant accomplishments of Black Canadians.

Activism, advocacy, education and community / Geography / Military / Music, film and television / Politics, law and business / Sports / Writing

Image 1: Photo of several colourfully painted wooden houses on a slope.

Africville

Amber Valley

Birchtown

Image 4: Historical black and white photo of two wooden buildings with a lawn and path in front.

Dawn Settlement

Image 5: Historical black and white photo of wooden buildings with gravel road in front.

Elgin Settlement

Image 6: Historical black and white photo of wooden buildings beside a road with telephone poles and three old cars parked nearby.

Hogan’s Alley

Sandwich First Baptist Church

Africville

Photo of several colourfully painted wooden houses on a slope.

Africville was a historic Black community in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Established in the early 19th century by formerly enslaved and free Black individuals, Africville was a close-knit community until the 1960s.

Despite facing racism, residents built homes, schools, and churches. Sadly, Africville was forcibly demolished in the 1960s as part of urban renewal projects, displacing its residents.

On Feb. 24, 2010 the City of Halifax formally apologized for the razing of Africville.

Credit: Library and Archives Canada. https://recherche-collection-search.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/Home/Record?app=fonandcol&IdNumber=5145997&q=africville&ecopy=e011316244

Amber Valley

Amber Valley is nestled in the picturesque foothills of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta.

160 African-American homesteaders established the community of Amber Valley in 1909.

It was the largest community of Black people in Alberta until the 1930s.

Credit: Glenbow Museum archives. Image in the public domain.

Birchtown, Nova Scotia

Poster with ship arriving to shore with text reading ‘Birchtown, Loyalist Landing 1783.” A Black man, woman and child look at the ship from the shore.

In the late 1700s, Birchtown, Nova Scotia became the home of many Black people who escaped enslavement during the American Revolutionary War. They built houses, schools and churches and established a thriving community.

The community members of Birchtown are remembered for their resilience in the face of discrimination. The Black Loyalist Heritage Centre commemorates this once thriving community.

Credit: Black Loyalist Heritage Society. Used by permission.

Dawn Settlement

Historical black and white photo of two wooden buildings with a lawn and path in front.

The Dawn Settlement was a historic community in Ontario, Canada, founded in the mid-19th century by formerly enslaved Black people from the United States seeking freedom and opportunity. Located near Dresden, it provided refuge and support for Black families escaping enslavement.

The settlement emphasized education, self-sufficiency, and community cooperation. Despite facing challenges and discrimination, residents of the Dawn Settlement persevered, creating a thriving community that contributed to the fight against enslavement and the advancement of civil rights in Canada.

Credit: Photo by Alex Luyckx. Used by permission. Flickr. https://www.flickr.com/photos/axle81401/46378509214

Elgin Settlement

Historical black and white photo of wooden buildings with gravel road in front.

The Elgin Settlement was a significant community in Ontario, Canada, established in the early 1800s by formerly enslaved Black people from the United States who sought freedom and opportunity. Situated near present-day Chatham-Kent, it provided a safe haven for Black settlers escaping enslavement in the U.S.

The settlement emphasized self-sufficiency, education, and community cooperation. Despite facing challenges and discrimination, residents of the Elgin Settlement built thriving farms and businesses, contributing to the abolitionist movement and the advancement of civil rights in Canada.

Credit: Buxton National Historic Site and Museum. Used by permission.

Hogan’s Alley

Historical black and white photo of wooden buildings beside a road with telephone poles and three old cars parked nearby.

Hogan's Alley was a vibrant and diverse neighborhood in Vancouver, British Columbia, during the early to mid-20th century. By 1923, when the African Methodist Episcopal Fountain Chapel was founded, Hogan’s Alley was home to a predominantly Black Canadian community, along with Chinese and Japanese immigrants.

Despite facing racism and discrimination, residents created a tight-knit community with businesses, homes, and social spaces.

Unfortunately, in the 1960s, the area was demolished to make way for urban development, displacing many families.

Credit: City of Vancouver Archives. BU P508.53. Part of the Major Matthews collection.

Sandwich First Baptist Church (Windsor, Ontario)

Photo of the Sandwich First Baptist Church.

The Sandwich First Baptist Church in Windsor, Ontario, holds a significant place in Canadian history as the oldest Black church in Canada.

Established in 1821 by formerly enslaved and free Black people, it served as a hub for the Black community, providing spiritual support and serving as a gathering place.

The church played a pivotal role in the Underground Railroad, aiding freedom seekers on their journey to freedom in Canada.

Credit: Photo by “jodelli.” Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license (CC BY 2.0). https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en

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