With support from the University of Richmond

History News Network

History News Network puts current events into historical perspective. Subscribe to our newsletter for new perspectives on the ways history continues to resonate in the present. Explore our archive of thousands of original op-eds and curated stories from around the web. Join us to learn more about the past, now.

Black History stamps to be unveiled (Canada)

Black History Month Commemorative Stamps Stamps honouring two eminent Afro-Canadians will be unveiled tonight at a special fundraising event at the Vancouver Playhouse.

Rosemary Brown (1930-2003), a Jamaican immigrant, had a distinguished political career after being the first black woman elected to public office in Canada. She won a seat in the British Columbia legislature for the New Democratic Party in 1972.

Abraham Doras Shadd (1801-1882) was a prominent anti-slavery advocate who moved his family to Canada from the U.S. and became active in the Underground Railroad. He later became the first black man to hold political office in Canada.

The black-tie event marks the launch of Black History Month, and features a keynote address by federal NDP leader Jack Layton. Performers include Dee Dee Daniels and Leon Bibb.
Read entire article at http://www.vancouversun.com