Ontario Black History Society Gets New President

TORONTO, Ontario – The Board of the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) has appointed Jamaica-born Nikki Clarke, as the organization’s new President, replacing its former top executive of 22 years, Rosemary Sadlier.

At a Board meeting, on November 9, Kathy Grant, founder of The Legacy Voices Project and Black Canadian Veterans, Stories of War, was also appointed First Vice-President.

Founded in 1978, by Dr. Daniel Hill Sr. and Donna Hill, Lorraine Hubbard, Wilson Brooks and others, the Ontario Black History Society (OBHS) is the organization in Canada that is at the forefront in the celebration of Black history and heritage with a demonstrated record in the study, preservation and promotion of Black history in Ontario.

The reputed organization is also the only Ontario Provincial Heritage Organization of the Ministry of Culture, devoted to Black history and heritage.

A former OBHS Board member, Clarke, who earned a degree in Film and Communications from McGill University, is the founder and host of the Nikki Clarke Show, an online television talk show.

A gifted television personality, fluent in English, French, and Spanish, Clarke is the recipient of many awards, including the African Canadian Women’s Achievement Award for her work in the community and excellence in teaching, and her most recent, the BBPA Woman of Honour Award.

“My vision for the Ontario Black History Society is to develop more engaging programs for youth and continue to build strong community partnerships,” said Clarke, in a media release, adding, “Together, we can make a difference.”

A self-described public historian and senior administrator, Grant says, on her organization’s FaceBook page, “Since making a promise to my ailing father, a WWII veteran, to highlight the stories of Black veterans, I’ve initiated a number of war legacy initiatives.

“For the past decade, I have devoted my efforts to documenting, digitizing and videotaping the stories of Black Canadian veterans. I place an emphasis on interviewing veterans, inviting participation from the loved ones of deceased veterans, public engagement, and connecting Black veteran stories to Canadian history.”

A Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award recipient, Grant reveals that she has collaborated with the Canadian War Museum, Library and Archives Canada, Department of National Defence, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, and Veteran Affairs Canada.

And she adds, “Moreover, I’ve made educational presentations to municipalities, schools, and community organizations in order to promote inclusive storytelling and historical documentation. The Facebook page, dedicated to this initiative, receives a half million views per year.”

In the OBHS media release, issued on November 18, Grant said, “February 2016 marks the 20th year of Black History Month in Canada and we welcome more individuals to share their stories and become involved.”

The signature fundraising Black History Month Kick-Off Brunch will celebrate this anniversary year on Sunday, January 31, 2016 at the Metro Toronto Convention Center.

“The OBHS Board of Directors and members would like to thank and extend best wishes to former President of 22 years, Past President, Rosemary Sadlier, and acknowledge her many contributions to the OBHS,” concluded the release.