Black communities in Canada boast a rich history that spans over 300 years, contributing immensely to the nation’s cultural tapestry. From musicians and inventors to athletes and politicians, these communities have been the birthplaces of legendary Canadians. Let’s delve into the unique stories of some of the iconic Black communities across the country, celebrating their resilience, achievements, and cultural vibrancy.
Little Burgundy — Montreal, Quebec
Dating back to the 1820s, Little Burgundy in Montreal is a historic hub with a diverse heritage. Home to those whose ancestors were enslaved in Canada and escapees via the Underground Railroad, it also welcomed immigrants from the Caribbean. Black Canadians established businesses, built churches, and enriched the community’s cultural fabric. Notable figures tied to Little Burgundy include Oscar Peterson (musician), Michaëlle Jean (journalist/politician), and Trevor Williams (athlete, coach).
Amber Valley — near Edmonton, Alberta
Founded in the early 1900s by formerly enslaved individuals, Amber Valley, near Edmonton, stands as a testament to hard work and resilience. This small farming community thrived, establishing schools, grocery stores, and even a baseball team. Famous Canadians connected to Amber Valley include Violet King Henry (First Black-Canadian female lawyer), Oliver Brown (engineer — designed Calgary’s LRT), and Floyd Sneed (musician).
Hogan’s Alley — Vancouver, British Columbia
Founded in 1858 by nearly 400 Black families invited to establish a community, Hogan’s Alley in Vancouver was a lively hub with restaurants, theatres, and a church. Descendants of those who arrived from California settled here, contributing to its vibrant entertainment scene. Nora Hendrix (community activist, grandmother of famous musician Jimi Hendrix) and Vie Moore (entrepreneur) have ties to Hogan’s Alley.
Africville — Halifax, Nova Scotia
Africville in Halifax traces its roots back to the 1700s, with Black families from Jamaican Maroons, War of 1812 refugees, and formerly enslaved people. This community thrived with farms, businesses, and landownership, showcasing the resilience of its residents. Notable figures include George Dixon (world boxing champion), Africville Brown Bombers (Colored Hockey League), and Edith McDonald-Brown (artist).
Little Jamaica — Toronto, Ontario
From 1958 to the 1980s, Toronto’s Little Jamaica became a vibrant hub for close to 100,000 immigrants from Caribbean islands, especially Jamaica. Known for its diverse businesses, barbershops, and cultural establishments, it played a crucial role in shaping the city’s cultural landscape. Personalities tied to Little Jamaica include Horace “Rap” Rose (musician, entrepreneur), Monica Lewis (entrepreneur), and Leroy Sibbles (musician).
African Nova Scotian Community – Halifax, Nova Scotia
This vibrant community in Halifax, Nova Scotia, reflects a legacy of resilience and cultural richness. It stands as a testament to the deep-rooted history of Black Canadians in the region.
Regent Park – Toronto, Ontario
Located in downtown Toronto, Regent Park is not just a residential area but a thriving cultural center with a strong Black community presence. It represents a modern and dynamic expression of Black culture.
Little Burgundy – Montreal, Quebec
Explore the historic Little Burgundy neighborhood in Montreal, known for its jazz heritage and as a hub for the Black community. It continues to evolve while preserving its cultural significance.
North Preston – Nova Scotia
Nestled in Nova Scotia, North Preston is one of the oldest and largest Black communities in Canada, with a rich cultural heritage. Its history and contributions are integral to the broader narrative of the province.
Hogan’s Alley – Vancouver, British Columbia
Hogan’s Alley, Vancouver’s historic Black neighborhood, has a storied past and was a center for Black culture in the mid-20th century. Despite changes, its impact on the city’s cultural landscape endures.
Black Cultural Centre for Nova Scotia – Dartmouth, Nova Scotia
The Black Cultural Centre in Dartmouth stands as a testament to the resilience and contributions of the Black community in Nova Scotia. It serves as a cultural hub, showcasing the diversity and creativity of Black Canadians.
Black Creek – Toronto, Ontario
Explore Black Creek, a community in Toronto known for its cultural vibrancy and commitment to preserving Black heritage. It reflects the ongoing efforts to celebrate and maintain a strong sense of identity.
Preston – Saskatchewan
Preston in Saskatchewan is another example of a thriving Black community that has significantly contributed to the province’s cultural fabric. Its story adds to the mosaic of Black experiences across Canada.
These Famous Black communities offer a glimpse into the rich history and cultural diversity that has shaped Canada. Their stories are not just tales of the past but continue to resonate in the present, inspiring generations to come. As we explore additional vibrant neighborhoods, the broader narrative of Black Canadians unfolds, weaving a tapestry of resilience, creativity, and unity within the Canadian mosaic.
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Gangs attacked in several neighborhoods of the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince on Saturday, forcing many people to leave their homes after gunfire raged through the night. Authorities did not immediately release casualty information.
Haiti’s police union said on its social media channels that the ongoing attacks in the neighborhood of Solino could mean losing control of the entire city to gang violence.
“If there’s no measures against the criminals who are taking control in Solino and Nazon, we will lose the entire capital,” Haiti’s police union said on social media platform X. “No government will be in its place if we cannot reduce such insecurity.”
On Thursday, at least one woman was killed as gangs opened fire in Solino, St. Michel, Tabarre 27 and other neighborhoods.
Radio Télé Métronome reported that the swearing in of Haiti’s provisional electoral council scheduled for Friday in downtown Port-au-Prince was moved to a safer area.
Six officials from the Bahamas arrived in Haiti Friday to join a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan police to help quell gang violence. The officials are the first of a contingent of 150 soldiers from the Bahamas expected in upcoming months.
It wasn’t clear what prompted the latest attack, which comes just days after Haitian and Kenyan police launched an operation that killed at least 20 suspected gang members in an area controlled by the 400 Mawozo gang that operates mainly in Tabarre.
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — A video purporting to show dozens of North Korean recruits lining up to collect Russian military fatigues and gear aims to intimidate Ukrainian forces and marks a new chapter in the 2 1/2-year war with the introduction of another country into the battlefield, Ukrainian officials said.
The video, which was obtained by Ukraine’s Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security, which operates under the Culture and Information Ministry, is said to show North Korean soldiers standing in line to pick up bags, clothes and other apparel from Russian servicemen. The Associated Press could not verify the video independently.
“We received this video from our own sources. We cannot provide additional verification from the sources who provided it to us due to security concerns,” said Ihor Solovey, head of the center.
“The video clearly shows North Korean citizens being given Russian uniforms under the direction of the Russian military,” he said. “For Ukraine, this video is important because it is the first video evidence that shows North Korea participating in the war on the side of Russia. Now not only with weapons and shells but also with personnel.”
The center claims the footage was shot by a Russian soldier in recent days. The location is unknown.
It comes after the head of Ukrainian military intelligence, Kyrylo Budanov, said in local media reports that about 11,000 North Korean infantrymen were currently training in eastern Russia. He predicted they would be ready to join fighting by November. At least 2,600 would be sent to Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukraine launched an incursion in August, he was quoted as saying.
“The emergence of any number of new soldiers is a problem because we will simply need new, additional weapons to destroy them all,” Solovey told AP. “The dissemination of this video is important as a signal to the world community that with two countries officially at war against Ukraine, we will need more support to repel this aggression.”
The presence of North Korean soldiers in Ukraine, if true, would be another proof of intensified military ties between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Last summer, they signed a strategic partnership treaty that commits both countries to provide military assistance. North Korean weapons have already been used in the Ukraine war.
TORONTO – Two suspects have been arrested in connection to a weekend shooting that targeted a Jewish school in the city’s north end, Toronto police said Friday, as investigators look to establish the motive for the attack.
Deputy Chief Robert Johnson said a 20-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were arrested on Thursday in the case.
He said the two are facing multiple charges, including the possession of an unauthorized loaded firearm and the discharge of a restricted firearm.
Police allege the two shot at Bais Chaya Mushka girls’ school on Oct. 12.
“Fortunately, no one was inside and there were no injuries,” said Johnson. A school window was shattered, he said.
Bais Chaya Mushka was the target of another attack in May, and Johnson said investigators are working to find out if the two shootings are linked.
“This is the second incident at the school and it occurred on Yom Kippur, a sacred day for the Jewish community, making this even more devastating,” he told reporters.
He said the force’s gun and gang task force led the investigation with the assistance of the hate crime unit, the Centre of Forensic Sciences and the Ministry of the Solicitor General.
“Their meticulous examination of the evidence was key in identifying and charging the two individuals,” he said.
Johnson said police are investigating to determine if the shooting was motivated by hate, but could not confirm a motive as of Friday.
“While we’re not sure right now what the motivation is, I can assure you that if we find evidence … that this is motivated by hate, we will explore the aggravating nature of this with our partners in the ministry through the court process,” he added.
Johnson said the safety of the city’s Jewish community remains a top priority for Toronto police, and the force will have a strong presence in Jewish neighborhoods for as long as needed.
“Our increased police presence will continue as long as is necessary,” he said.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 18, 2024.
