Canada Post celebrates Black History Month

January 29, 2009

February is Black History Month. In celebration, Canada Post is issuing two stamps. One of them honours Rosemary Brown, the first Black woman to be elected to public office. She was also the first woman to run for the leadership of a Canadian federal political party.

On Sunday, February 1, the National Congress of Black Women Foundation hosts the stamp launch, as well as presenting a short play on slavery and two films on Abraham Doras Shadd and Rosemary Brown.

Abraham Doras Shadd played a major role in the Underground Railroad. He’s reported to be the first Black person to hold a political office in Canada. A stamp has also been issued in his honour.

when

Sunday, February 1, 2009
5 pm — doors open and silent auction
6 pm — stamp launch followed by refreshments

where

Vancouver Playhouse
649 Cambie Street, Vancouver, British Columbia

who

• Joyce Shadd-Middleton, Great Great Grand Daughter of Abraham Doras Shadd
• Cleta Brown, Daughter of Rosemary Brown
• Dr. Mary Regester, President, National Congress of Black Women Foundation
• Nalda Callender, Executive Director, National Congress of Black Women Foundation
• Constance Barnes, Vancouver Park Board Commissioner
• Dee Daniels and Leon Bibb, Performers
• Jack Layton, NDP Leader

Media will need to RSVP to attend the black tie event for free.
Tickets will not be sold at the door.

To order tickets, please contact the National Congress of Black Women Foundation at (604) 605-0124.

To arrange an interview prior to the event or to RSVP please contact:
Lillian Au — manager, media and community affairs, Canada Post
(604) 662-1388
Lillian.au@canadapost.ca

related section15.ca feature

activist: Rosemary Brown, by PENNEY KOME | June 2, 2000