Unlike other visible minorities, the black minority is always visible. Our skin makes it is impossible to blend in, to pretend that we are the same as the rest. But that’s okay because black Canadians are not the same as the rest. A distinct skin, culture and heritage have enabled black people to shape Canada in an extraordinarily powerful way.

From the rich to the poor, the famous to the unkown, the number of black people who are shaping Canada are endless. While racism still exists, I argue that black Canadians have shaped their country to be a more inclusive environment. Today, Canada is one of the most diverse countries, welcoming immigrants from around the globe. This is due to the black Canadians who have paved the way.

While black people are sometimes seen as new immigrants to Canada, in fact, they have been part of Canada since the beginning of the 16th century. From those years to now, they have fought in many of its wars, notably the War of 1812. A black Loyalist named Richard Pierpoint was a leading force in creating the “Coloured Corps,” a black military group that fought at Queenston Heights and in the siege of Fort George. These black men fought to defend Canada, a nation they proudly considered their own. Through the patriotism of Richard Pierpoint and the many black Canadians who fought our wars, Canada has been shaped and protected into the land that it is today.

The Coalition for the Truth about Africa (CFTA), a group of Toronto activists, transformed Canada by influencing the path of one of the city’s oldest institution and greatest tourist attractions. In 1990, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) exhibited Into the Heart of Africa, a collection of artifacts which included displays of Africans humiliated by missionaries. Many black people weren’t comfortable with the exhibit, and saw it as a skewed portrayal of black people. The CFTA formed for this occasion and picketed the ROM. After a month of daily protests, the exhibition closed and the museums that booked the exhibit in Ottawa, Vancouver, Los Angeles and Albuquerque cancelled. The ROM was forced to reflect a contemporary and changing Canada. This marked the beginning of a huge transformation as the ROM shook off its old fashioned ways. With its cutting edge renovation and challenging exhibitions, the ROM is now a landmark of progress and modern architecture. There is even a new addition named after Michael Lee Chin, a black entrepreneur. In this way, the CFTA helped Canada on the path to becoming more modern and inclusive.

When my aunt Carol moved from the Caribbean to Montreal, she experienced racism in grade school because she was black. Although this might turn some off of the education system, my aunt persevered through school and later became a teacher herself. Knowing what an unwelcoming place school can be, she ensures that no student experiences discrimination of any form. She transforms schools and kids every day by creating a welcoming space free of racism and teaching her students about social justice issues. Her students learn not to repeat the mistakes of past generations. At every school she has taught, she has made sure that kids feel welcome regardless of their race. Some of these schools include Nelson Mandela Park Public School, and schools in the Jewish, Tibetan and Roma communities of Toronto. Her contributions benefit all students of a visible minority, making sure that everyone has a place in the education system.

Richard Pierpoint, members of the Coalition for the Truth about Africa and my aunt Carol are only a few of the many black Canadians who shaped Canada into the country it is today. Through their efforts, Canada has now become one of the most inclusive, diverse and welcoming places on the planet. As activists, teachers and soldiers, black Canadians have always made themselves visible forces of change. Considering how many young black Canadians there are today, I can only imagine what Canada will look like 100 years from now.