By Chrissy Chrzan and Sheri Selway
Dive into Black History Month this February with a journey of the rich narratives of our community’s trailblazers—heroes whose impact continues to resonate in our community. Let’s celebrate and highlight some of our many Hamilton heroes.
One such trailblazer is Viola Desmond, a catalyst for Canada’s Civil Rights Movement. Six years before Rosa Parks took her stand, Viola refused to yield her seat in a ‘whites only’ section of a Nova Scotia theatre, sparking a wave of change. Recognized on the $10 bill, she stands as the first Canadian woman and non-royal figure to grace our currency. Explore more at the Viola Desmond Public School in the east end of the city.
Meet Ethilda (Tillie) Johnson, a familiar face from the Hamilton Farmers Market for over 50 years, a stalwart advocate for Human Rights. Her enduring commitment led to the establishment of a scholarship fund in 1997, leaving an indelible mark on our community.
Stewart Memorial Church, nestled on John Street, is a living testament to the resilience of Hamilton’s Black Community. From its humble beginnings as a log cabin in 1835, surviving a fire, to its present location, the church embodies strength and community spirit.
Ray Lewis, the first Canadian-born black Olympian, grew up on Clyde Street near Woodland Park. He and his friends would play at Woodland Park and when they heard sirens from the fire station nearby, they would run along side the horses going to the fire and try to beat them. His gripping journey is chronicled in “Rapid Ray” by John Cooper, a must-read available at the library. Ray’s legacy lives on, earning him the Order of Canada in 2001.
Jackie Washington, a blues maestro, left an indelible mark at Jackie Washington Park on Wellington Street. For 29 years, he graced the Festival of Friends, showcasing his talent as a singer, songwriter, and the first black disc jockey at CHML in 1948. Uncover more about this North Ender’s fascinating life, from his multiple residences in the North End to his time at Bennetto School.
And, did you know that the iconic Pinky Lewis Rec Centre on Wentworth near Barton is named after Norman “Pinky” Lewis, a sports luminary and the 1971 Citizen of the Year? Step into the world of this Hamilton hero and discover the profound impact he had on our community.
Beyond these luminaries, numerous other tales await discovery on the City of Hamilton’s website. Explore the profiles of more illustrious Hamiltonians shaping our collective narrative. Visit the City of Hamilton website to read more https://www.hamilton.ca/things-do/festivals-events/black-history
Join the Hamilton Public Library in commemorating Black History Month through a series of events, including the Jackie Washington Concert on Feb. 16 at 12:00 at the Central Branch. Check out other concerts and an author event at https://events.hpl.ca/events?r=nextmonth.
Connect with the heartbeat of Hamilton’s Black community through organizations like HARRC, ACCA, HCCI, Empowerment Squared, Refuge Hamilton Centre for Newcomer Health, Ghana Association of Hamilton, Association Haitienne de Hamilton, and the Nigerian Canadian Association.
The 17th Black History Month Honouree.
Hamilton Black History Council (HBHC) is launching Black History Month in partnership with the City of Hamilton and Black-led organizations on February 1 at 12:00 pm at City Hall.
“We are excited to work with the City of Hamilton and many Black-led organizations to add Dora Anie as this year’s BHM honouree. Dora has left a lasting legacy here in Hamilton and made an impactful difference in the lives of so many through her work with Schools of Dreams. We appreciate the support of the City in celebrating the achievements of our Black communities and look forward to building on this work.” Terri Bedminster, Executive Team
Dora Anie (1949-2019) was a mother, wife, philanthropist, life coach, and hairstylist by trade. She was the Founder and President of Schools of Dreams (SOD), a Hamilton-based Canadian registered charity that transforms the lives of young children and their communities by building safe, sustainable learning environments in rural Ghana. Through Dora’s relationships and community engagement, SOD was born in 2004. In addition to creating SOD, she was an active volunteer and advocate in Hamilton with her work being recognized and, often being the recipient of or being nominated for many awards.
Dora’s legacy still lives on through Schools of Dreams.
So, this February for Black History Month and everyday this year, lets celebrate the resilience, achievements, and contributions that enrich the diverse tapestry of our beloved city.
