To mark Black History Month, the Prince Rupert Library has curated a new display celebrating Black Canadians and their impact on the country.
The collection includes books by or about Black Canadians, including historical works, contemporary fiction, and nonfiction for all ages.
Mercedes Taylor, the director of the library, explained the purpose of the display is to provide people with an opportunity to learn more about the diverse voices and critical perspectives that have shaped Canada.
“There needs to be more emphasis on Canada’s history with Black populations and not have the American story overshadow Canada’s own history and story,” she said.
“Personally, I really loved this book, Half Blood Blues,” said Taylor. Written by Canadian novelist Esi Edugyan, this gripping novel follows a group of jazz musicians in 1940s Europe, exploring themes of race, loyalty, and betrayal against the backdrop of the Second World War and the Nazi occupation.
“And then I also really loved Butter Honey Pig Bread. That’s a really great book,” said Taylor.
Butter Honey Pig Bread by Francesca Ekwuyasi is a poignant novel that spans Canada, Nigeria, and Europe. It explores the lives of a Nigerian-Canadian family as it delves into themes of identity, love, forgiveness and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships across generations.
Another book, published more recently in 2022, is a collection of 18 thought-provoking short stories. Uncertain Kin by Canadian author Janice Lynn Mather is set against the backdrop of the Bahamas. It explores themes of family, identity, and belonging, delving into the complex experiences of individuals navigating their ties to their Caribbean roots and Canadian lives.
Taylor mentioned the library has also included children’s books, such as the story of Viola Desmond. Many people know that she is featured on the $10 bill. Her story is gaining more recognition, particularly that she bravely protested segregation in a theatre by refusing to give up her seat in the “whites-only” section.
The children’s series also highlights figures such as Willie O’Ree, a pioneering Black hockey player, and Meet Mary Ann Shadd by Elizabeth McLeod, illustrated by Mike Deas. Shadd opened a desegregated school in Chatham, Ontario, and became North America’s first Black female newspaper publisher with The Provincial Freeman. A passionate suffrage activist, she earned a law degree at 60, becoming one of the first Black women in Canada to practice law.
“There’s stuff for everybody,” said Taylor.
For those interested particularly in B.C., Go Do Some Great Thing by Crawford Kilian highlights the contributions of Black individuals in the province. The cover features Joe Fortes, Vancouver’s first lifeguard who is also known for having an award-winning restaurant.
“He’s a Vancouver icon,” said Taylor.
At least 30 more books with exciting stories to tell are stacked in the collection.
“It covers a lot of different things, from the beginnings of our country till the present day... Our aim is always to have something for everybody. And I think with topics like this, or like lots of topics, they’re directed at everybody in the community, not just one segment of the community,” said Taylor.
