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

Shai Gilgeous Alexander

Felix Auger Aliassime

Amber Valley Baseball Team

Alphonso Davies

Perdita Felicien

Jarome Iginla

Ferguson Arthur Jenkins

Willie O’Ree

Lesa Mayes Stringer

Masai Ujiri

Shai Gilgeous Alexander

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a Canadian basketball sensation, grew up in Hamilton, Ontario. He plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA.

Known for his impressive skills and versatility on the court, he quickly made a mark in the league after being drafted.

Prior to joining the Thunder, he played for the Los Angeles Clippers and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2019.

Credit: Photo by Sandro Halank. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Felix Auger Aliassime

Felix Auger-Aliassime is a talented Canadian tennis player who's making waves in the sports world. Born in Canada to parents of Togolese and French Canadian descent, he brings a unique perspective to the game.

Felix Auger-Aliassime is one of three players to have forced Rafael Nadel into a five-set match at the French Open.

In 2022, Auger-Aliassime was selected as the Canadian Press athlete of the year.

Credit: Canadian Olympic Committee

Amber Valley Baseball Team

From the 1920s to the 1940s, the Amber Valley Baseball Team was one of the best baseball teams in Alberta.

At the time in Alberta, various communities would compete against one another, including French, Metis, Ukrainian and Black Albertans.

Credit: “Baseball team, Amber Valley, Alberta.”, [ca. 1950], (CU1153754) by Unknown. Courtesy of the Collection, Libraries and Cultural Resources Digital Collections, University of Calgary.

Alphonso Davies

Alphonso Davies is a Canadian soccer sensation known for his incredible speed and skill on the field.

Born in a Ghanian refugee camp and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, he made history as the first Canadian to play for FC Bayern Munich in the German Bundesliga.

In 2022, Davies played in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In 2021 and 2022, he was named the Men’s Player of the Year by the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF).

Credit: The Canadian Press

Perdita Felicien

Perdita Felicien, a Canadian athlete, is a trailblazing track and field star. Born in Oshawa, Ontario, she excelled in hurdles, winning numerous national and international titles.

In 2023, Felicien made history as the first Canadian woman to win a world championship gold medal in track and field. Despite facing setbacks, including a heartbreaking fall in the 2004 Olympics, she persevered with resilience and determination.

Felicien's inspiring journey teaches young athletes the importance of perseverance and believing in oneself.

Credit: The Canadian Press.

Jarome Iginla

Jarome Iginla is a hockey icon and Canadian sports legend. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, he is known for his skill, leadership, and sportsmanship. Iginla played over 1,500 games for teams including the Calgary Flames and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Iginla has won numerous awards, including Olympic gold medals with Team Canada. In 2020, Iginla was selected for the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Off the ice, he is known for his generosity and community involvement, making him a role model for young athletes across Canada.

Credit: Photo by Resolute. Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Ferguson Arthur Jenkins

Ferguson Arthur Jenkins, known as Fergie Jenkins, is a Canadian baseball legend. Born in Chatham, Ontario, he became one of the greatest pitchers in Major League Baseball history. Jenkins played for teams including the Chicago Cubs and the Texas Rangers.

Jenkins was the first Canadian to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991.

His no. 31 jersey was retired by the Chicago Cubs, and the organization erected a statue of him outside Wrigley Field.

Credit: Image in the public domain.

Willie O’Ree

Willie O'Ree, a Canadian former professional ice hockey player, made history by becoming the first Black player to compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) in 1958.

Despite facing racial prejudice and discrimination, O'Ree's remarkable skills and perseverance paved the way for future generations of Black hockey players.

O’Ree continues to be an advocate for diversity and inclusion in hockey, inspiring young athletes to overcome barriers and pursue their dreams on and off the ice.

Credit: Photo by “MJCdetroit.” Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Lesa Mayes Stringer

Lesa Mayes-Stringer competed as a heptathlete and then a Canadian bobsled athlete from 1999 to 2007. In 2004-2005, she had 5 top 10 World Cup finishes.

Mayes-Stringer is the first Black woman to be a bobsleigh pilot gold medalist, and the first Black woman bobsleigh pilot World Cup Circuit competitor in North America.

Previously a high school teacher in Calgary, she now works full time as the Women’s Ministry Leader for the Capital City Church of Christ.

Credit: The Canadian Press

Masai Ujiri

Masai Ujiri is a respected figure in Canadian sports, known for his leadership and dedication to basketball. As the President of the Toronto Raptors, he played a crucial role in leading the team to its first NBA Championship in 2019.

In Africa, Ujiri is known through his Giants of Africa foundation, which builds basketball courts all over Africa, runs camps for young athletes and connects professional athletes looking to make change.

Credit: The Canadian Press

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