How the Blacks Created Canada

by Fil Fraser

Across the country and throughout time, Blacks have played pivotal roles in the unfolding of Canadian history. Woven into the fabric of the country itself, they have made serious contributions to this great nation. In the early 1600s, African navigator Mathieu De Costa used his knowledge of Mi'kmaq languages to enable communication between the Europeans and Aboriginals. Arriving in 1605, he was the first Black to come to what would become Canada. Over two centuries later, Sir James Douglas recruited 800 former American slaves and freemen to settle in Victoria, BC, where they staved off the threat from an America that would gobble up land and stretch up the west coast from California to Alaska. Josiah Henson escaped half a lifetime of slavery and came to Dresden, Ontario through the underground railway. He established a highly successful business, met Queen Victoria, had dinner with the prime minister and became friends with the Archbishop of Canterbury. He was also an unofficial ambassador for Canada. And, more currently, Blacks have made great strides in Canadian sports, entertainment and politics, as well as business, academia, the judiciary and a broad range of public service. So take a seat and discover the surprising and satisfying history that is finally making it in the mainstream.

Genres: History

256 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2012

Reviews

[Jbondandrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somewhat similar to 100 Black people but a bit more expanded.

[Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Heroism in the face of adversity is a theme used in many contexts, but this book was an eye-opener. Canada's history of segregation and discrimination against Blacks is exposed through the lives and stories of a selection of individuals that made (or are still making) an impact on Canadian history, politics, sport, music, military etc etc. Fil Fraser produced a much needed book, one that certainly enlightened far beyond his target audience.