Black Canadians

History, Experience, Social Conditions

Joseph Mensah

This timely and overdue book brings into perspective the history, experience and social conditions of Black Canadians. It looks not just at recent Black immigrants to Canada but delves into their history. The first Black people came as slaves of the early European settlers. They were followed by Black loyalists and refugees from the civil war in the United States. But their numbers were small. It is only since the introduction of the “point system” in 1967 that Black people began to arrive in Canada in large numbers. This book provides an authoritative reference for teachers, students and the general public who seek to know more about the Black Diaspora in North America. Some arguments made in the book may be unpleasant for those with little appetite for pointed, provocative views and analysis from the standpoint of Black people. At the same time, those with a genuine interest in venturing beyond established orthodoxies and simplistic solutions to the contentious ethno-racial problems in Canada will find this book insightful and worthy of close attention The geography of Black groups in Canada, Black people and the Canadian labour market, including issues of employment equity and the management of race and ethnic relations, are highlighted. “The work is a remarkable piece of scholarship. It combines theoretical sophistication and empirical rigour, is focused, powerfully enlightening, and manifests a clarity of exposition that is refreshing and commendable. The book constitutes a learning/educational toolkit of exceptional value.”—G. Lewelland Watson, University of P.E.I.

About the Author

Joseph Mensah is Coordinator of International Development Studies Program at York University.

Excerpt

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