Celebrating Women's History Month & Rosemary Brown
Rosemary Brown ❤️In honour of Women’s History Month coming to a close, we want to honour a trailblazer who worked right here in lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ territories (colonially Victoria BC) named Rosemary Brown. ✨
Rosemary Brown was the first Black woman to be elected as a member of the legislative assembly in BC AND the first Black woman to be elected to any provincial legislature in Canada in 1972. Rosemary was born in Jamaica in 1930. She attended McGill University in 1951 and in 1955 she completed a graduate degree in social work here in BC. She was a founding member of the Vancouver Status of Women Council.Her work in BC politics led to laws against gender-based discrimination, and she improved services for women, Elders, immigrants, children, and disabled community members. She was a powerful public speaker, and won so many awards that we couldn’t help but include them below!
Awards:
1972 - National Black Coalition Award
1973 - United Nations, Human Rights Fellowship
1989 - YWCA, Woman of Distinction Award
1991 - University of British Columbia Alma Mater Society, Great Trekker Award
1995 - Government of British Columbia, Order of British Columbia
1996 - Government of Canada, Order of Canada
2001 - Government of Jamaica, Commander of the Order of Distinction
2002 - Canadian Labour Congress, Award for Outstanding Service to Humanity
2002 - Harry Jerome Award
She sadly joined the ancestors in 2003. The Story Theatre team owe so much to Rosemary, who fought for better conditions for so many communities, and advocated for children and youth the way we strive to today. Thank you Rosemary, Happy Women’s History Month to you and your family!
For more visit: https://bcblackhistory.ca/rosemary-brown/
Stunning artwork by Nike CJ King 🌻
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