Remembrance Day
By Shaundra Selvaggi
Many North Americans of African descent experience mixed feelings regarding commemorations of military service. It can be difficult to reconcile the ignorance and prejudice many black soldiers faced while committing the ultimate act of bravery with the ubiquitous images of freedom, pride and patriotism.
But on this Remembrance Day, let us take the time to honour and celebrate those who did not think twice of sacrificing their own lives for the greater good of humanity, for the freedoms we enjoy today and continue our great legacy of strength in the face of insurmountable odds.
Black British Loyalist, American Revolution Painting by Copley, 1782-1784.
American Revolution (1775–1783)
Finding themselves on the losing side during the American War of Independence, British forces issued proclamations guaranteeing colonial slaves protection, freedom and land to join the Royal cause.
Thousands of African-descended slaves and indentured servants risked life and limb to escape cruel owners and served the British Crown as soldiers, guides, spies and tradesmen.
When the Americans won, ‘Black Loyalists’ were shipped to Atlantic Canada, only to find themselves in a cold, harsh landscape facing resentment from white settlers – many of them slaveowners.
These pioneering men and women, arguably the first black Canadian war veterans, endured and established communities still standing today, over two centuries later.
World War I (1914-1918)
Rev. William A. White
Many of the proud black Canadians who showed up to volunteer for the Canadian Expeditionary Force (CEF) were turned away because of the colour their skin. Even though they faced much intolerance and discrimination, the would-be soldiers persisted still willing to risk their lives to fight in a war that many claimed was not theirs.
The No. 2 Construction Battalion, based out of Pictou, Nova Scotia formed the first black battalion in Canadian history on July 5, 1916 after a nationwide recruitment initiative – over 600 young men were accepted. The group’s chaplain Rev. William White had already broken many barriers as just the second black student accepted to Acadia University in Nova Scotia at the turn of the 20th century. He became the only black commissioned officer in the British Forces during WWI.
World War II (1939 -1945)
Sergeant Gerald Bell
By the time the Second World War broke out, the Canadian military had altered its views on the separation of blacks and whites and no segregated units were formed. Though blacks were still subjected to unfair screening processes and often relegated to less challenging tasks, the exceptional talent of individuals such as Gerald Bell, who came to be known as Canada’s First Black Airman could not be denied.
The Hamilton, Ontario native joined the newly formed Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 1936. At a time when blacks were either completely denied enrolment or limited to ground crew positions, the one-time Olympiad trainer, competitive sprinter and boxer, rose to the level of sergeant training No. 6 Bomber pilots in Yorkshire, England during World War II. He is said to have flown 42 operational units.
Sources:
digitalcollections.mcmaster.ca/case-study/
Related Articles:
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
Loading ...
Leave your response!