Bromley Armstrong facts for kids

Bromley Lloyd Armstrong (February 9, 1926 – August 17, 2018) was an important Canadian leader in the fight for civil rights. He worked hard to make sure everyone was treated fairly. He started his work in Canada in 1947.

Armstrong was also a dedicated union activist. He worked to improve conditions for workers in different industries. He believed that all workers deserved good treatment and fair pay.

Who Was Bromley Lloyd Armstrong?

Bromley Lloyd Armstrong was born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1926. He moved to Canada in 1947. From the moment he arrived, he became a strong voice for equality. He spent his life fighting against unfair treatment.

Armstrong was especially active in promoting equal rights for African-Canadian people. He joined groups that worked to end discrimination. His efforts helped change laws and attitudes in Canada.

Fighting for Equal Rights

In the early 1950s, Armstrong joined the National Unity Association (NUA). This group worked to stop unfair treatment against Black people. They focused on places like Dresden, Ontario. Some restaurants there refused to serve Black customers.

The NUA tried to get the Dresden town council to create laws against discrimination. When this didn't work, Armstrong and others took action. They went to the Ontario government in Toronto.

New Laws for Fairness

Because of these efforts, the Premier of Ontario, Leslie Frost, introduced two important laws. These were the Fair Employment Practices Act and the Fair Accommodation Practices Act.

The Fair Employment Practices Act made it illegal to treat people unfairly at work. The Fair Accommodation Practices Act made it illegal for businesses to refuse service to anyone. This included restaurants, hotels, and shops.

This second law became active in April 1954. It clearly stated: "No one can deny to any person or class of persons the accommodation, services or facilities usually available to members of the public."

The Dresden Sit-ins

Even with the new law, some businesses in Dresden still refused to serve Black customers. So, Bromley Armstrong and other activists from Toronto decided to test the law. They organized "sit-ins."

During a sit-in, activists would go into a restaurant and ask for service. If they were refused, they would stay seated peacefully. This showed that the businesses were breaking the new law.

Armstrong and his group gathered information about these businesses. They then urged Premier Frost to take legal action. The restaurant owners were taken to court. The court upheld the law, meaning it was enforced. This was a very important moment for anti-discrimination laws in Canada.

A Lifetime of Achievements

Bromley Armstrong continued to fight for justice throughout his life. His work helped make Canada a more fair and equal place for everyone. He showed great courage and determination.

In 1994, his important contributions were recognized. He was made a Member of the Order of Canada. This is one of the highest honors a Canadian citizen can receive. He also received the Order of Ontario.

Armstrong's life story is shared in his book, Bromley: Tireless Fighter for Just Causes. He passed away on August 17, 2018, at the age of 92.