Howard McCurdy facts for kids

Howard Douglas McCurdy (December 10, 1932 – February 20, 2018) was an important Canadian person. He was a civil rights activist, a politician, and a university professor. He worked hard to fight for fairness and equality for everyone.

Howard McCurdy: A Champion for Change

Early Life and Fighting Racism

Howard McCurdy was born in London, Ontario. His family had a special history. His great-great grandfather, Nasa McCurdy, helped people escape slavery. He was an agent on the Underground Railroad, which helped African-American slaves find freedom in Canada.

When Howard was nine, he moved to Amherstburg, Ontario. There, he faced racism for the first time. He tried to join the Cub Scouts but was told he couldn't because he was Black. They told him to form a separate Black-only group. This unfair experience made him want to fight against discrimination. He later said this moment inspired his lifelong activism.

Education and Science Career

Howard McCurdy was a very smart student. He studied at the University of Western Ontario and Assumption University. He earned a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science. He then went on to get even higher degrees. He earned a Master of Science and a Ph.D. in microbiology and chemistry from Michigan State University. While at Michigan State, he even started a chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). This group works to protect the rights of Black people.

In 1959, he joined the Biology Department at Assumption College. This college later became the University of Windsor. He became the first Black person to hold a permanent teaching position at a Canadian university. From 1974 to 1979, he was the head of the department. He also founded and led the Canadian College of Microbiologists from 1976 to 1980. McCurdy wrote more than 50 scientific papers. He also helped guide important science journals.

Activism and Political Life

Howard McCurdy was a strong voice for civil rights. In 1962, he started the Guardian Club. This group worked to fight racial discrimination in Windsor. In 1969, he helped create the National Black Coalition of Canada. He was also its first president.

McCurdy was also involved in politics. He is famous for suggesting the name "New Democratic Party" at the party's first meeting. In 1979, he was elected as an alderman in the city of Windsor. An alderman is like a city council member. He served two terms, helping to make decisions for the city.

In 1984, he was elected to the Canadian Parliament. He became a Member of Parliament (MP) for the riding of Windsor Walkerville. This made him Canada's second Black MP, after Lincoln Alexander. He was also the first Black MP from the New Democratic Party. He was re-elected in 1988 for the riding of Windsor—St. Clair. He served in Parliament until 1993. He even ran for the leader of his party in 1989.

From 2003 to 2005, he served as the president of the Windsor Black Coalition. Howard McCurdy passed away on February 20, 2018, at 85 years old. He left behind his wife, four children, and ten grandchildren.

Awards and Recognition

Howard McCurdy received many awards for his important work.

• In 1967, he received the Canadian Centennial Medal.
• In 1977, he was given the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal.
• In 2001, he received the J. S. Woodsworth Award for Human Rights.

His dedication was recognized at a high level.

• In 2012, McCurdy was made a member of the Order of Ontario. This is a special award given to people who have done great things for the province of Ontario.
• In November 2012, he was also named a Member of the Order of Canada. This is one of the highest honors a Canadian citizen can receive.