Barbara Howard

by Fran | Sep 20, 2018

First black woman athlete to represent Canada in an International competition and the first person from a visible minority to be hired as a teacher by the Vancouver School Board. Born and raised in Vancouver, Barbara grew up in the Grandview neighborhood with her...

Rosemary Brown

by Fran | Sep 18, 2018

Politician, feminist, writer, educator, lecturer and mother, Rosemary Brown has contributed much to B.C. and Canada including being the 1st black woman elected to a Canadian Provincial Legislature (B.C) and running for the leadership of the Federal NDP Party in 1975....

John Craven Jones

by Fran | Sep 8, 2018

1st teacher on Salt Spring Island circa 1859 to 1875; one of only 16 public school teachers in the Province at that time. John Craven Jones was the 2nd oldest of three brothers who came to Salt Spring Island in 1859. John’s older brother is William Allen who...

Ruby Sneed

by Fran | Aug 18, 2018

Renowned Classical Pianist & Music Educator.  “If children hear fine music from the day of their birth and learn to play it, they develop sensitivity, discipline and endurance. They get a beautiful heart.” Shinichi Suzuki Ruby Sneed was born Ruby Evelyn Proctor on...

Emma Stark

by blackhistory | Jun 15, 2018

Emma Stark was the 1st Black teacher on Vancouver Island, 1874, at the Cranberry-Cedar School near Nanaimo.   Emma Stark: Daughter of Louis and Sylvia Stark. Image credit: courtesy of Myrtle Holloman, Salt Spring Island, B.C. & Peggy Cartwight. Emma was born...