Artist, Artisan, Athlete, Community Leader, Dentist, Educator, Judge, Juror, Lawyer, Musician, Policeman, Politician, Public Service, Soldier, Sport icon, Teacher, Television Host … Julia Griffith, an English comrade of abolitionist Frederick Douglass gave this advice to Mifflin Gibbs as he was deciding to make the move to Victoria “What! Discouraged? Go […]
Pioneers 1900 -Present
21 posts
We are honoured to present the twelve brave Black men from British Columbia, who enlisted in No. 2 Construction Battalion, CEF. In the fall of 2024 we announced another signature project for the Society – “No. 2 Construction Battalion Legacy in BC and Beyond”. The research found 12 soldiers who […]
These women have made history – are making history.Activist, Abolitionist, Athlete, Business Owner, Civic Leader, Community Leader, Creative Artist, Educator, Historian, Judge, Lawyer, Pastor, Pianist, Pioneer, Politician, Teacher, Trailblazer … We highlight contributions women make to the workforce, in their communities and at home throughout history, and the critical role […]
She fostered the values of equality and acceptance; is recognized as a civic leader and pioneer in the development of British Columbia’s music industry. She will always be celebrated for her extensive career as a jazz singer. Not only is she the first black artist in North America to host […]
This bakery business offered an extraordinary variety of biscuits, fancy breads and baked goods for many decades. Moses Rowe Smith arrived in Victoria in 1858 from London, Ontario. He had been engaged in the bakery business there. He set up his bakery on the south side of Johnson Street, but […]
Gilbert single-handedly captured a German Officer and 24 of his men at Vimy Ridge. Robert Burt Gilbert was born on July 31, 1887 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Both parents, James Gilbert & Matilda Rogers were born in the U.S. Records show that in 1916 he lived at 846 Fisgard St. Victoria, […]
It’s here! – a 52-page illustrated publication, BC Black History Timeline, to purchase by donation We launched a BC Black History digital timeline in 2021; and then began receiving requests for a print version. Working with a graphic design firm, we are now offering an illustrated 52-page publication to purchase […]
“Vancouver Citizen of the Century” - Credited with saving at least 29 lives from drowning, including adults and children, as well as teaching three generations of Vancouver children to swim; in 1986 the Vancouver Historical Society formally declared Joe as “Vancouver Citizen of the Century”. Seraphim Joseph Fortes was most […]
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 April 30, 1917 in Edmonton Alberta. Her self-educated […]
Emery Barnes was elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in 1972 as the first member in the double-member riding of Vancouver Centre, along with former MLA Gary Lauk. He and Lauk were re-elected in 1975, 1979 and 1983. In 1986 after Lauk’s retirement, Emery was joined by Mike […]
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 sister and three brothers; she attended […]
The first black person to be named to the B.C. Supreme Court; is recognized as having made significant contributions to judicial and legal education contributing to the development of the law in British Columbia and Canada. Career: 1966 Graduated Peter A. Allard School of Law, UBC. 1974 He was appointed […]
Fastest man on earth … The Harry Jerome International Track Classic is held annually in honour of Harry Jerome, he has inspired a generation of Canadians and has a legacy of athletic excellence and commitment to youth and sport. Harry Jerome: To mark Canada's 150th birthday, 150 noteworthy British Columbian's […]
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. Rosemary Brown has contributed much to her adopted country […]
renowned singer, song-writer, recipient of the Order of B.C. in 2009, founder of "Step-Ahead" program for youth which was performed in more than 20 schools in Canada ... Leon Bibb, born February 7, 1922 in Louisville, Kentucky, is a former New Yorker who has been living in Vancouver, B. C., […]