Early Black Communities

Since the 17^th century, people of African descent have come to Canada in various capacities: as enslaved people, as freedom seekers, as British Loyalists after the American Revolutionary War, and as those seeking better opportunities for themselves and their families. In spite of the many challenges faced, people of African descent have created thriving Black communities across Canada’s various provinces and territories. Although many of these historical Black communities no longer exist — most often as a result of discriminatory urban renewal or greater educational and economic opportunities available to people of African descent in larger cities — there are still notable examples across Canada of historical Black communities (i.e. Amherstburg, Ontario; Maidstone, Saskatchewan; Willow Grove, New Brunswick; Victoria, British Columbia; etc.) and contemporary ones (i.e. Bathurst/Blackhurst, Toronto; “Little Jamaica,” Toronto; Preston, Nova Scotia; Iqaluit, Nunavut; etc.). Collectively, these Black communities represent the expansive experiences, stories and cultures produced by people of African descent in Canada. The contributions of Black people have enriched and continue to enrich Canada’s cultural, social and historical identities.

This package was inspired by content explored in CBC’s Black Life: Untold Stories documentary series, notable Episode 8: Claiming Space, and was made possible through the Black Life Impact Foundation’s educational engagement initiative. It was thoughtfully written and developed by educators Channon Oyeniran, B.A. M.A. Ph.D. (c) and Phylicia McPherson, M.A., H.B.A., B.Ed. Guidance was provided by advisors Dr. Afua Cooper, Principal Investigator, A Black People’s History of Canada; Professor Handel Wright, Director of the Centre for Culture, Identity and Education at the University of British Columbia; David Austin, Author, Fear of a Black Nation; and Karen Murray, System Superintendent for Equity, Anti-Racism, and Anti-Oppression in the Toronto District School Board. Thanks to Anita Lessard at Filigrane Archives and Juan Bello at Triana Media for their work on visual research and clearances; and to the team at Power of Babel for French translation.

Please note that this package discusses content —such as racism and discrimination — that some readers may find upsetting. We recommend that teachers read through all content before sharing with their students.