Global Black Voices: News from around the World
- Ivan Dawns honored pioneers: Ken Rigmaiden, Herman Stewart, Bromley Armstrong, Phyllis Galimore.
- Ivan Dawns quoted Marcus Garvey, stressing Black history is Canadian history and urging year round remembrance.
- Speakers highlighted Black innovators: Garrett Morgan, Dr. Gladys West, Jesse Russell, Dr. Charles Drew.
- Merit Stiles warned against complacency, urged vigilance and support for diverse community media serving Black and Caribbean communities.
- John Zerucelli noted federal training investments to expand trades access; Ivan Dawns urged planting for future generations.
Black Labour History Honoured at IUPAT Event
The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) transformed its Toronto head office into a space of reflection, pride and purpose during its annual Black History Month celebration, drawing labour leaders, elected officials and members of the Caribbean and wider Black communities together to honour the past while looking ahead.
Opening the evening, IUPAT Black leader Ivan Dawns paid tribute to pioneers whose courage reshaped the labour movement. He recognized Ken Rigmaiden, the first Black General President of a building trades union; Herman Stewart, the first person of colour elected to the executive of the Ontario Federation of Labour; Bromley Armstrong, a driving force behind the Ontario Human Rights Code; and Phyllis Galimore, who broke barriers for women in the trades.
Quoting Marcus Garvey, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin, and culture is like a tree without roots”, Dawns underscored the importance of remembrance. “Black history is Canadian history,” he said. “It is not limited to one month; it is 365 days a year.”
He reminded the audience that daily life is shaped by Black innovation, pointing to Garrett Morgan’s traffic signal, Dr. Gladys West’s GPS research, Jesse Russell’s cellular technology and Dr. Charles Drew’s blood bank system. “Many of us were never taught their names,” Dawns noted. “To honour the past is to recognize the shoulders we stand on.”
Dignitaries from all levels of government attended, including Ontario NDP Leader Merit Stiles, Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism Graham McGregor, Jamaica’s Consul General in Toronto Kurt Davis, Member of Parliament John Zerucelli and MPP Andrea Hazell.
Stiles cautioned against complacency. “Canada likes to think of itself as different,” she said, “but racism and anti-Black racism are present here. If we are not vigilant and united, hate can creep back in.” She also stressed the need to sustain diverse community media voices serving Black and Caribbean communities.
Consul General Davis highlighted the deep ties between Jamaica and Canada, recalling the arrival of Jamaican Maroons in Nova Scotia centuries ago. He praised Jamaican Canadians for embracing dual pride and commended IUPAT’s outreach in Jamaica and commitment to skills training.
Zerucelli noted the 30th anniversary of Black History Month in Canada, acknowledging progress while emphasizing unfinished work. He pointed to federal investments through the Union Training and Innovation Program to expand access to skilled trades careers, reinforcing that economic inclusion strengthens the country.
Minister McGregor reflected on Black History Month’s parliamentary recognition in 1995 under Jean Augustine and encouraged turning celebration into empowerment. Ontario Federation of Labour President Lara Waldman added that Black history is inseparable from labour history.
Closing the evening, Dawns challenged attendees to build for the future. “Our ancestors planted shade trees knowing they would never sit in the shade,” he said. “We are the shade they dreamed of. Now it’s our turn to plant for the generations coming behind us.”
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