Hidden Histories: Spotlight on Black History
Measha Brueggergosman-Lee
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Measha Brueggergosman-Lee is a Canadian soprano known for her exceptional talent and promotion of cultural diversity. She is also the youngest, and the first Black recipient of the Governor General’s Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award for Classical Music. Born in Fredericton, New Brunswick in 1977, she began singing in her church choir as a child before studying music at the University of Toronto. Her remarkable career includes numerous awards, including a 2008 Juno and other prestigious international honours at the Jeunesses Musicales Montreal and the Queen Sonja International Music Competition. Brueggergosman also authored a best-selling memoir  titled Something Is Always on Fire. In 2022, she launched “The Measha Series” a four-part virtual concert performance that promoted using music from diverse backgrounds to foster unity. Measha Brueggergosman-Lee continues to be a force in Canadian music and culture as well as a champion of diversity and cultural inclusivity.
Beaver Harbour Quaker Settlement
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The Quaker settlement at Beaver Harbour, NB established in 1783, is historically significant as the first anti-slavery settlement in British North America. Also known as Bellevue, it was founded by a small group of Quakers who left the United States after the American Revolution to create a community where all could live freely according to their religious views. Their commitment to abolitionist views was evident in the sign at the entrance of the community declaring "NO SLAVE MASTERS ADMITTED.” Despite facing harsh winters and food shortages, the settlers persevered with help from the local Peskotomuhkati people. By 1785, the population had increased to approximately 800 people. Sadly, the settlement was destroyed by fire approximately nine years later. Yet the legacy of the Quaker settlement resonates today. It exemplified the values of equality, community, and resilience and proved that a small group's principled stand can have a lasting historical impact.
William Hall
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William Hall (1825-1904) is the first Black Canadian and first Nova Scotian to receive the Victoria Cross, the highest military honour awarded for acts of valour within the British Armed Forces. Born in Horton Bluff, Nova Scotia, to formerly enslaved African-American parents, Hall joined the Royal Navy in 1852 despite numerous obstacles facing people of colour in the military during the mid-19th century.
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Hall’s courage made a significant impact during the 1857 Indian Rebellion at the Siege of Lucknow. When his gun crew suffered devastating casualties, Hall courageously continued fighting, standing resolutely amid relentless enemy fire. His extraordinary bravery earned him respect and admiration. He retired from the Royal Navy in 1876. Hall's remarkable service not only demonstrated individual heroism but also paved the way for greater recognition of Black Canadians' contributions to military history.
Georgina Whetsel
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Georgina Whetsel (1846–1919) was a pioneering Black woman entrepreneur and political activist from Pictou, NS. She took over and transformed the Saint John Ice Company into a thriving enterprise following her husband’s death. By 1900, the company produced 10,000 tons of ice annually and employed a multi-racial crew of over sixty workers. Her innovative practices for cutting and storing ice attracted media attention across North America.
Upon selling her business in 1900, Whetsel became one of the wealthiest Black women in North America. She then used her talents to advocate for political rights. She published and co-edited the Boston newspaper Women’s Era, and helped found the National Association of Colored Women in 1896. At a time when race and gender often posed significant barriers to success, Whetsel was a trailblazer for women in business and politics. Her remarkable story demonstrates how talented individuals can succeed despite barriers.
Cornelius Sparrow
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Cornelius Sparrow (1824 - ca.1880) was a successful Black businessman and community leader in Saint John, New Brunswick during the mid-19th century. His story demonstrates resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of formerly enslaved individuals in the face of tremendous adversity. Born into slavery in Virginia, Sparrow escaped to the north and eventually relocated to Saint John, NB in 1851. After working as a labourer, in 1862 he opened The Model Hair Dressing Saloon, a hairdressing salon and resturant with his brother George. In 1859, he expanded his business with the popular gourmet resturant Victoria Dining Saloon establishing himself as a prosperous and respected community member. Sparrow was also a key founder of the Calvin Baptist Church in 1870 serving as one of its first trustees. His rise from labourer to successful business owner also exemplifies the struggle, perseverance, and economic emancipation of formerly enslaved people during a challenging period in history.
Tomlinson Lake Freedom Trail
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The Tomlinson Lake Freedom Trail is a site of historical significance located in New Brunswick. It marks the northernmost route of the Underground Railroad, run by Quaker abolitionists, that stretched from Fort Fairfield, Maine, to Andover Parish, NB during the mid-1800s. The 8km hike from the Maple Grove Friends Church to Tomlinson Lake was the final leg of the journey to freedom. Since there were no clear international border markers, reaching the lake meant freedom seekers had reached Canada. At Tomlinson Lake, escaped slaves would be met by locals, like Sgt. William Tomlinson and his wife Bridget, who would direct them to the Black Settlements along the St. John River, or help them relocate elsewhere. Today, this 3km trail features interpretive signs and replicas of historical structures used by the Underground Railroad and annual events celebrate its historical significance.
Lena O'Ree
Lena O'Ree (1914-2003) from Saint John, New Brunswick was a nationally recognized civil rights leader and equality advocate who worked to combat racial discrimination throughout her entire life.
At age 17, she became the first Black radio host in Saint John. Then, she led efforts to integrate the local YWCA, becoming one of its first Black members. In the 1950s, she challenged a discriminatory policy at her place of employment that required Black individuals to enter through the back door. This act of courage was pivotal in challenging segregation policies at the hotel where she worked and started the movement to desegregate other public spaces in the city. A lifelong advocate for racial equality, she participated in several notable protests calling for desegregation. She also played a significant role in PRUDE and received the New Brunswick Human Rights Award in 1998. O’Ree left a lasting impact on her community.
Joseph Drummond
Lena O'Ree (1914-2003) from Saint John, New Brunswick was a nationally recognized civil rights leader and equality advocate who worked to combat racial discrimination throughout her entire life.
At age 17, she became the first Black radio host in Saint John. Then, she led efforts to integrate the local YWCA, becoming one of its first Black members. In the 1950s, she challenged a discriminatory policy at her place of employment that required Black individuals to enter through the back door. This act of courage was pivotal in challenging segregation policies at the hotel where she worked and started the movement to desegregate other public spaces in the city. A lifelong advocate for racial equality, she participated in several notable protests calling for desegregation. She also played a significant role in PRUDE and received the New Brunswick Human Rights Award in 1998. O’Ree left a lasting impact on her community.
The Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes
The Colored Hockey League of the Maritimes (CHL), established in Halifax, Nova Scotia was an all-Black league that operated between 1895 and the early 1930s. The CHL began as a religious outreach program with rival churches facing off after Sunday services and quickly evolved into a competitive enterprise with innovative gameplay. CHL players pioneered the slapshot and the butterfly style of goaltending. Despite its popularity in the Black community, economic challenges and racism caused its decline in the 1930s. It provided a platform to showcase Black athletic talent, bulit community and empowered the Black community in Nova Scotia.
In 2020, Canada Post issued a commemorative stamp honouring the league. In 2024, the Government of Canada designated the CHL a national historic event in recognition of its contributions to the game of hockey and its cultural importance in the fight for racial equality.
Louis Sterling Lawrence
ouis Sterling Lawrence’s journey from Fredericton, NB to national boxing champion exemplifies perserverance and athleticism. His success in the ring, particularly his Canadian Middleweight Championship and the resulting inductions into multiple halls of fame, demonstrate his important role in Canadian sports history.
After moving to Vancouver in the late 1940s, Lawrence established himself as a formidable amateur boxer by winning a Golden Gloves Tournament. In 1952, he claimed the Western Canadian Middleweight title and in 1955, the Canadian Middleweight. During this time, Lawrence maintained an impressive professional record, winning 21 of 25 fights, with 15 victories coming by knockout! In 1988, he was inducted into the Canadian Boxing Hall of Fame.
Lawrence is remembered as one of the most impressive boxers New Brunswick produced, overcoming significant barriers during a time when opportunities for Black Canadian athletes were limited.
No 2 Construction Battalion
The No. 2 Construction Battalion was Canada’s first and only Black military unit in operation from 1916 to 1920. Despite being undermanned and facing widespread racial discrimination, the battalion’s contributions were vital to Canada’s military efforts during WWI.
Commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Daniel Sutherland from River John, NS, the majority of troops came from Nova Scotia. The No. 2 supported the Canadian Forestry Corps operations in France, undertaking essential tasks such as building railways, roadways, and producing lumber. However, they were restricted to non-combat roles due to racial biases in the military leadership at that time.
The legacy of the No.2 symbolizes the resilience and dedication of Black Canadians who bravely served their country.The battalion is a powerful symbol of perserverance and demonstrates the distinguished history of Black military service in Canada.