Diversity in Early Black Communities
What can you learn about the diversity of early Black communities in BC?
Even before British Columbia was a province, a diversity of identities, cultural experiences and histories made up the community we generally refer to as Black.
Historically, leaders in many fields in BC were of Black African descent, including the first lifeguard, first licensed dentist, first governor of the colony of BC, first teacher on Salt Spring Island, and members of the first armed troops and police force in the province. These individuals came from as far and wide as different parts of the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. One of Salt Spring Island’s early settlers, Daniel Fredison, came from the Pacific island of Hawaii.
That diversity of origin and identity remains today. The BC Black History Awareness Society recently co-funded a project led by Alice Mũthoni Mũrage, a research fellow in the Faculty of Health Sciences in Simon Fraser University. 160 participants shared their thoughts on their identity and acceptance of the term Black to define who they are. The report revealed diverse origins and identities within the members of the community, as well as the personal experiences that helped define who they are and how they see themselves.
This pathway explores some of that diversity with an eye to the accomplishments and contributions of early settlers of what we now call BC.
- Learn about individuals and families who arrived from San Francisco in 1858 by invitation from the first governor, Sir James Douglas, who was of Black African descent on his mother’s side.
- Examine photographs and listen to voices of the past of everyday citizens who gained renown in their communities after coming to BC from diverse locales, and who greatly contributed to the fabric of society.
What can you learn about the diversity of early Black communities from records at the BC Archives?
The BC Black History Awareness Society and the Royal BC Museum are grateful for and appreciative of the review and advice on this pathway provided by Dr. Handel Kashope Wright, Full Professor, Department of Educational Studies and Director of the Centre for Culture, Identity and Education at the University of British Columbia
Banner image credit: We Been Here by artist Sade Alexis
