The Ontario New Democratic Party, the Official Opposition in the province, has renamed its J.S. Woodsworth Human Rights and Equity Awards to the Rosemary Brown Racial Justice Awards.
Rosemary Brown, a social worker, was born in Kingston, Jamaica, on June 17, 1930, and raised by her grandmother in a home of strong, educated, political women. She became the first black female member of a provincial legislature in Canada and was also the first woman to run for the leadership of a federal political party. Brown died of a heart attack on April 26, 2003, in Vancouver, British Columbia.
This week, the Ontario NDP held the Rosemary Brown Racial Justice Awards Nomination Reception at Queen's Park, the Ontario Legislative Building. The awards honour Ontarians who are actively working towards the elimination of racial discrimination and the promotion of human rights and equity. “The Rosemary Brown Racial Justice awards have been a way for us to shine light on all activists, volunteers and community members who have made Ontario a more welcoming and inclusive place,” said Marit Stiles, Ontario NDP leader.
“This work is not easy, and it is important for us to lift up the voices of those who take the lead to make our province a better place.” Stiles continued, “Rosemary Brown was an exceptional politician and an exceptional political leader. This award not only honours her legacy but ensures that the work can continue.
” Brown immigrated to Canada in 1951 to pursue undergraduate.