Description

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An important and comprehensive exploration of 400 years of Black history in Canada.

This narrative journey through Black history in Canada begins with the arrival in 1604 of Mathieu Da Costa, the first known African in the country, and continues through the Black Lives Matter movement and the ongoing fight for social justice. A one-of-a-kind book, it contains inspiring and thought-provoking stories of the people involved in Canada’s legacy of slavery, the Black Loyalist and Exoduster movements, the Underground Railroad and the fight for civil rights. Separate from the chronological history, the book also examines key issues that have affected the lives of Black Canadians, including slavery, racism and prejudice, and representation.

The definitive children’s guide to Black history in Canada, this book is an essential update to the bestselling and award-winning The Kids Book of Black Canadian History, which was first published in 2003. With informative and engaging text, author Rosemary Sadlier honors the proud history of Black Canadians on every page. Sidebars with interesting facts, quotations and profiles of historical figures appear throughout the book, making this a perfect fit for social studies lessons on Canadian heritage and history. The back matter includes six pages of profiles of important Black figures in the arts, sciences, sports, politics and more, as well as a glossary of key terms and an index. Redesigned for a new generation of readers featuring Arden Taylor’s contemporary style using blocks of color and vivid illustrations, this book is a must-have resource for every classroom and library across the country.

About the Author

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Rosemary Sadlier, OOnt, is a social justice advocate, researcher, writer and the former president of the Ontario Black History Society. She is a highly sought-after speaker on Black history, anti-racism and women's issues, and she has written multiple books on African Canadian history. A passionate advocate for Black history education, she was instrumental in establishing Black History Month and Emancipation Day in Canada, as well as in the creation of Lincoln Alexander Day. Rosemary was named to the Order of Ontario (OOnt) in 2008 and has received a number of other awards and accolades, including an honorary doctorate from OCAD University, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal and the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award. The Rosemary Sadlier Freedom Award was created in her honor and has been presented annually since 2020. Rosemary lives in Toronto, Ontario.
Arden Taylor is a freelance illustrator residing in Toronto, Ontario. She graduated Sheridan College with an Honours Bachelor of Illustration. She enjoys working with beautiful color palettes to create visually appealing, fun and sophisticated graphic illustrations of architecture, people, wallpaper, patterns and more. Her clients include Hazlitt Magazine and the California Institute of Technology. Arden's work has been featured in magazines, newspapers, advertising campaigns and websites. The Kids Book of Black History in Canada is her first book.