Black Canadians have played a pivotal role in the emergent Canadian image of a strong and stable multi-cultural society. Historically, and to a certain extent, even today, many people perceive blacks in Canada as a race lacking in purpose and vision, with little to offer. They see them as mere followers, satisfied with eking out a simple existence rather than striving to make an impact on their society. However, contrary to this view, there are blacks who stand out as beacons in defiance of the traditional concept of the insignificance of the race. Among those who have contributed to the advancement of the Canadian society are Daniel Hill in law, Rosemary Brown in politics and Michael Lee Chin in economics and the arts.

Daniel Hill, who migrated from the United States to Canada as a young man, played a dominant role in seeking to eradicate racial discrimination in his new home country. A historian, public servant, and human rights specialist, Daniel Hill devoted himself to the quest for justice for the minority in Canada. Hill received a PhD in sociology at the University of Toronto and with years of experience, later became the first full-time director of the Ontario Human Rights Commission in 1962. Under his management, the commission utilized innovative tactics to transcended racial barriers. As director of the commission, Hill not only promoted human rights education, but was also directly involved with receiving complaints from those who felt they had been discriminated against. He played a prominent role in the establishment of Canada’s image as a nation of diversity by challenging social biases and making Canada a more inclusive society. At the end of his tenure as the first full chairman of the Ontario Human Rights Commission, Hill established his own firm. Among his clients were the government bodies such as the Toronto Metropolitan Police and the Ministry of Labour. To further his work in bringing minorities to the forefront of the Canadian Society, in 1978, Hill along with others co-founded the Ontario Black History Society, which sought to recognize the history of people of African descent in the country.

Another strong advocate of equal rights in Canada was Rosemary Brown in her fight for women’s rights. Brown was born in Jamaica, a member of the middle class where she had never experienced racial prejudice. The discrimination she experienced in Canada as a member of the minority Afro-Canadian community had a profound effect on her. This motivated her to become an activist and work toward eradicating the barriers among minority groups face in Canada. Brown’s main focus was helping to establish rights and privileges for women and children. Brown was one of the founders of the Vancouver Status of Women Council and afterwards became the city’s Ombudswoman. She took her passion for helping women and children and carried it over into her political career. Brown became the first women of African descent elected to a Canadian legislature. She served in British Columbia’s legislative assembly as the New Democratic Party representative from 1972 until 1986.

Our final contributor, Michael Lee- Chin, defied the odds, and in 2009 was named among the richest Canadians. Michael Lee-Chin, who was born in Portland, Jamaica, set an example, showing that “doing well and doing good” will result in great success. Coming from a family whose father owned a regular corner grocery store, Chin is an example of the rags to riches tale. At the age of 32, Chin used his very own philosophy of doing well and good and took a high risk. He borrowed money to purchase $500,000 worth of Mackenzie Financial stock which appreciated sevenfold. He then decided to start a small Ontario based investment firm called AIC Limited which soon grew to be very successful, amassing up to $15 billion in assets. Chin is a philanthropist, contributing $30 million to the re-development of the Royal Ontario Museum, and has helped to provide jobs for many.

It is clear that in spite of the many challenges and negative perception faced by blacks in Canada, there are those who have overcome the odds and made inroads into society, creating a platform for others to attain to and emulate them. Daniel Hill, Rosemary Brown and Michael Lee-Chin are only some of the many blacks who have impacted the Canadian society. Each person, with his or her contributions, has set a feverous example for all to follow.