February 2009
Canada Post Celebrates Black History

Canada Post is issuing two stamps bearing the images of prominent Black Canadians to recognize Black History Month.   Learn more about the specifications, history, or ordering information of these stamp.

“The mandate of the stamp program is to celebrate Canada and its diverse people, its major accomplishment, rich history, tradition and natural beauty,” said Bob Waite of Canada Post.

One stamp will feature Abraham Doras Shadd, who played a major role in the Underground Railroad and was the first black person to hold a political office in Canada.  Abraham Shadd (1801-1882) was born free in the U.S..  Although, a shoemaker by trade, he was a Conductor in the Underground Railroad and an active leader in the Anti-Slavery Movement.  In 1851, he brought his family and settled in the North Buxton, Ontario, where he became a community leader and remained active in the Anti-Slavery Movement.  He was the first Black elected to a political office as Counsellor of Raleigh Township.  In 1994, the road that traverses the heart of North Buxton was renamed A. D. Shadd Road in his honour.

The second stamp will honour Rosemary Brown, the first Black woman elected to public office and the first woman to run for the leadership of a Canadian federal political party.  Rosemary Brown, (1930 -2003) was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and moved to Canada in 1950.  She served as a member of the Legislative Assembly in the British Columbia from 1972-86, making her the first Black Canadian woman elected to a Canadian Provincial Legislature.  In 1975, she became the first Black woman to run for the leadership of a Canadian Federal Party.  Brown was sworn to the Queen’s Privy Council for between 1993-98.  She also served on the Canada Advisory Committee from 1999-2003.

Scheduled Stamp Unveiling Programs

January 25: Toronto, Annual Black History Month Brunch hosted by the Ontario Black History Society

January 30: Montreal, hosted by the Black History Month Roundtable

January 31: Winnipeg, hosted by the Manitoba Chapter of the Congress of Black Women of Canada

February 1: Vancouver, hosted by the National Congress of Black Women Foundation (Buxton Historical Society President, Joyce Middleton, has accepted an invitation to speak at this event on behalf of the Buxton Museum and Shadd family!)

February 1: Ottawa, hosted by Black History Ottawa

February 21: Toronto, hosted by the Ontario Chapter of the Congress of Black Women of Canada

February 28:  North Buxton, Soul Food Dinner hosted by the Buxton Historical Society 

Top of page

website created July 2008; updated November 2009; by Lori Gardner