February 29
Please read this excellent blog post written by Michael Opoku-ForFieh
The Blog about Black History Month celebrates those who came before, their achievements. There is also a Black Future of seeing what life could look like beyond 2030. There is also a Black Now. A reality of living whilst Black that presents risk and reward often in unequal measures.
February 28
To focus on Black luminaries in February is not enough. Black history is deeply rooted in all aspects of life, health, engineering, technology/science, the arts & academia.
Centring Black excellence, Black experiences & Black joy must go beyond the month of February. #BHM.
February 27 – Valerie Thomas
An American scientist and inventor who, while working at the NASA. She invented a way to transmit three-dimensional images, or holograms. She also helped to develop processing software to convert scientific data captured by satellites into information that scientists could use. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Valerie-Thomas
February 26 – Thornton Blackburn
Notable facts: Date of birth: 1812; date of death: Feb. 26, 1890; escaped Kentucky with his wife Lucie Blackburn on Jul. 3, 1831; operated Toronto’s first taxi company called “The City.”
He was a self-emancipated formerly enslaved man whose case established the principle that Canada would not return slaves to their masters in the United States and thus established Canada as a safe terminus for the Underground Railroad. The Blackburns continued to be active in anti-slavery and community activities, helping to build the nearby Little Trinity Church, now the oldest-surviving church in Toronto
February 25 – bell hooks
A writer, scholar and social critic who was best known for her intersectional writings on race, feminism, and class. She assumed her pseudonym (the name of her great-grandmother) to honour female legacies. She preferred to spell it in all lowercase letters to focus attention on her message rather than herself. Some of her most famous insights include that “patriarchy has no gender” and that “feminism is for everybody.”
February 24 – Raymond Grey Lewis
The first Black born Canadian Olympic athlete to win an Olympic medal. Raymond was born in Hamilton, Ontario in 1910 and passed in 2003.For 22 year Raymond also worked On the Canadian Pacific Railway
February 23 – Alexandra Merkx-Jacques
A molecular microbiologist & artist. One of her innovations enables microalgae to convert agricultural waste → biofuel! She has also contributed to the field of immunotherapy. A force in both the science & art worlds! #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackInnovators https://www.arcac.ca/alexandra-merkx-jacques.html
February 22 – Nathaniel Alexander
On July 7, 1911, Nathaniel Alexander of Lynchburg, Virginia patented a folding chair. Mr. Alexander designed his chair to be used in schools, churches & other venues. His design included a book rest that was usable for the person sitting in the seat behind.#BHM https://twitter.com/AfricanArchives
February 21 – Dr. Clotilda Douglas-Yakimchuk
Born in Whitney Pier, Nova Scotia. In 1954, she became the first Black graduate of the Nova Scotia Hospital School of Nursing. She also earned her post graduate psychiatric nursing certificate from the Nova Scotia Hospital and a Diploma in Adult Education from Saint Francis Xavier University.
Dr. Clotilda Douglas-Yakimchuk became the first ever elected, and only, Black president of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Nova Scotia. She founded the Black Community Development Organization and advocated for Cape Breton University to create a nursing degree program. Dr. Clotilda Douglas-Yakimchuk received several awards for her cultural and community achievements. In 2003, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada and in 2018, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Nova Scotia.
February 20 – Thato Kgatlhanye
Created Repurpose Schoolbags, made from recycled plastic bags. The schoolbag integrates solar technology so that children may study for up to 12 hours. The retro-reflective material also makes the children more visible and safe on their walk to school after dark.
February 19 – Audra Lorde
A writer, academic and activist who dedicated her life and work to confronting all forms of injustice, including racism, sexism, classism, and homophobia.
She wrote extensively about her personal experiences as a Black Queer woman and how the intersection of those identities informed her writing, teaching and politics.
February 18 – Viola Desmond
Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada. She is best known for her bravery in the fight against segregation in 1946. Viola Desmond was a prominent business woman back in her time. Her courage and dignity is now never forgotten as her beautiful face is now the face of Canada’s $10 Bill.
February 17 – Bishop Curry V
After a baby in his neighbourhood died in a hot car, he developed and patented Oasis, a detection and response device that alerts parents and emergency responders if movement is detected in a car seat, and blows cool air on the child until help arrives.
February 16 – William Peyton Hubbard
William Peyton Hubbard created the first patented commercial bakers oven. In 1894 William became the first black councilor in the major cities after He was elected in Toronto.And last but not least he also co-founded the first hydroelectric company in Ontario.
February 15 – Garrett Mrogan
Invented a breathing device(a gas mask) a helmet to protect firefighters from smoke and ammonia inhalation in 1912. He invented the three way traffic signal, Stop,Go,and Stop in all directions, before it resumed Go to traffic in perpendicular directions. Mr. Morgan’s life saving inventions of the gas mask and traffic signals are still in use today.
February 14th – Tomorrow at Dundas Museum
Join us at the Dundas Museum and Archives on Thursday, February 15th, at 7pm for a Black History Month lecture!
February 13 – Alan Emtage
In 1989, Computer Scientist Alan Emtage conceived of and built Archie, the first ever internet search engine! Many public search engines today continue to use the foundational techniques he developed. A 2017 Internet Hall of Fame Innovator
February 12 – Dr Rita Orji
A Canadian Research Chair in Persuasive Tech at Dalhousie, STEM diversity ambassador & mentor. She designs interactive systems to increase health/well-being, particularly for under-served populations. Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada (2021)! #BlackHistoryMonth
Feb 11 – Dr Anna Jarvis
Dr. Jarvis helped establish the field of paramedic services in Canada, teaching some of the 1st paramedics ever! Medical educator & mentor extraordinaire, she received the Order of Ontario for her work in paediatrics. #BlackExcellence #BlackHistoryMonth
February 10 – Gladys Mae West
Gladys Mae West is an American mathematician known for her contributions to the mathematical modeling of the shape of the Earth, and her work on the development of the satellite geodesy models that were eventually incorporated into the Global Positioning System(GPS).
February 9 – Lewis Howard Latimer
An American inventor and patent draftsman. His inventions included an evaporative air conditioner, an improved process for manufacturing carbon filaments for light bulbs, and an improved toilet system for railroad cars.
February 8 – Brittany Andrew-Amofah
Brittany Andrew-Amofah
Known for: Public affairs commentator
Notable facts: Hosted Word on the Street.
Brittany is a public policy professional based in Toronto. She is currently the Senior Policy and Research Analyst at the Broadbent Institute, where she is responsible for assisting with setting the research and policy direction of the organization, and managing the Broadbent Institute’s Fellow Program. With an expertise in applying policy principles to matters of Canada’s most pressing public affairs, Brittany is regularly sought out to provide research, analysis and consultation services with a focus on creating a more socially progressive Canada.
February 7 – Elijah McCoy
Elijah McCoy aka the Real Mckoy Invented in 1916 a special graphite lubrication.This is used to lubricate super heated machinery. Also the lawn sprinkler was another one Elijah’s inventions.
February 6 – Dr. Patricia Bath
An American ophthalmologist, inventor, humanitarian, and academic. She was an early pioneer of laser cataract surgery. She also founded the non-profit American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness in Washington, D.C. https://drpatriciabath.com/about/
February 5 – Charles R. Drew
An African American surgeon & researcher who pioneered in the field of blood transfusions and blood storage. He protested against blood donor segregation and campaigned for better treatment of Black doctors.
February 4 – Dorothy Johnson Vaughan
| An American mathematician/computer programmer who made significant contributions to the US space program. She was the first Black manager at what later became NASA |
February 3 – Annie Turo Malone/Madam C.J. Walker
Entrepreneurs of the groundbreaking Black cosmetics industry. Each woman developed haircare and beauty products, created beauty schools and launched highly successful businesses that employed hundreds of African Americans. #BHM
February 2 – Dr. Anderson Ruffin Abbott
Dundas resident doctor in the 1880’s, Dr. Anderson R. Abbott. The first Canadian-born Black doctor. Moving to Dundas in 1881, Dr. Abbott was President of the Mechanics Institute, Church Warden at St. James Church and Asst. Ed. of the Dundas True Banner. Prescriptions from H.W. Ralph’s Dundas Drug Co. shows he practiced in Dundas.
