Congress of Black Women of Canada facts for kids
The Congress of Black Women of Canada (CBWC) is a national group that helps Black women and their families across Canada. It started in 1973. The CBWC works to make life better for Black women in their communities and across the country. This organization was created to bring Black women together. It helps them focus on issues important to them. These issues include health, housing, fighting racism, education, and how police and communities work together. The CBWC also supports child development.
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History of the CBWC
The Congress of Black Women of Canada (CBWC) began in 1973 in Toronto. Kathleen "Kay" Livingstone was the first leader. The CBWC grew from another group called the Canadian Negro Women's Association (CANEWA), which started in 1951. Kay Livingstone was also the first president of CANEWA.
The first meeting of the CBWC brought together 200 Black women from all over Canada. It was held at the Westbury Hotel in Toronto. The group welcomed many people. Two main rules were that any Black woman aged 16 or older could join. Also, any group led by Black women with similar goals could join. Some goals included offering education programs for Black women. They also planned services to help Black women and their families. The CBWC was also a place for Black women to talk openly about issues affecting them.
The CBWC uses a cactus as its symbol. The Toronto chapter's magazine, Speak Out, explained why. It said the cactus shows the strength of Black women. Even in tough conditions, the cactus survives and grows. It also produces fruit. In 1984, the Montreal chapter's 10th anniversary book shared a motto. It said: "the cactus survives; she survives; and the race survives." This shows how important the cactus is to the group's idea of strength.
The CBWC officially became a registered non-profit group in 1980. This happened at their fifth meeting in Winnipeg. They approved their rules and chose a national leadership team.
In 1987, Dr. Glenda P. Simms, a former national president, spoke to another group. She wanted to look closely at the women's movement in Canada. Dr. Simms famously said: "I want to get on record in saying that we are not an issue. We are people." She spoke about groups that were against equal pay for women. Dr. Simms supported groups like the CBWC. She said: "That's the message we're going to tell mainstream Canadian women. We're going to get our act together, and we're going to show them what a real women's movement should be." The Congress agreed with Dr. Simms. They believe that women who are often left out should define themselves. In 1990, Dr. Simms became the first Black president of the Canadian Advisory Council on the Status of Women.
Jean Augustine started the Toronto chapter of the CBWC in 1973. She became the president of the whole organization in 1987. That same year, she received the first Kay Livingstone award.
| Year | Location | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| 1973 | Toronto | The Black Woman Today |
| 1974 | Montreal | The Black Woman and Her Family |
| 1976 | Halifax | Crisis of the Black Woman |
| 1977 | Windsor | Impetus, the Black Woman |
| 1980 | Winnipeg | Concerns for the 80s |
| 1982 | Edmonton | Black Women and the Workplace |
| 1987 | Vancouver | On the Move... Forward Together |
Ontario Regional Chapters
The CBWC has many local groups, called chapters, across Ontario. These chapters help Black women in their specific areas.
| Regional Chapter | Current President |
|---|---|
| Waterloo | Marcia Smellie |
| Scarborough | Chantal Joseph |
| Oshawa and Whitby | Angela Todd Anderson |
| Mississauga | vacant |
| Markham | Jessica Ketawaroo-Green |
| London | Nikisha Evans |
| Brampton | Patricia Challenger Brade |
| Ajax and Pickering | Magdalene Lesmond |
Waterloo Chapter
The Waterloo chapter started in 1988. Chloe Callander was its first local president.
Scarborough Chapter
The Scarborough chapter was founded in 1985. It aimed to create a strong network for Black women in the Scarborough area. This was important because Scarborough had a growing Black population. The chapter also worked to protect and expand human rights for Black women in Canada.
Oshawa and Whitby Chapter
The Oshawa and Whitby chapter was started by Ettie Rutherford in March 2007.
Mississauga Chapter
The Mississauga chapter was created in 1985.
Markham Chapter
The Markham chapter was established in February 2021. It is one of the newest chapters of the Congress.
London Chapter
The London chapter was started in 1989 by Gwen Jenkins. This chapter aimed to address social, economic, and cultural issues for all Black women in London.
Brampton Chapter
The Brampton chapter was established in 1989. It was founded by Claudia Russell-Placenia, Silvilyn Holt, Jacqueline Maloney, and Veronica Lee Edwards.
Ajax and Pickering Chapter
The Ajax and Pickering chapter was founded in March 1996.
Former Ontario Regional Chapters
The Congress has changed a lot since it began in 1973. As new chapters were formed, some older ones closed. These include the Durham, Oakville, Toronto, and North York chapters.
See also
- Canadian Negro Women's Association
- The Coloured Women's Club of Montreal
- Ladies Auxiliary of the African United Baptist Association of Nova Scotia
- Midwives in African Nova Scotian Communities
- Black Women's Collective
- Black Canadian Women in Action
- National Congress of Black Women
