New Release: The ABCs of Black Stories in Canada
Our long-anticipated Black history books are now available! Dive into 52 heartfelt stories of Black resilience, courage, and compassion, and discover the historical figures whose experiences in Canada made an impact on their lives, their communities, and even the world.
Organized alphabetically by keywords, these tales underscore perseverance in the face of adversity and celebrate Black pride and accomplishments ranging from sporting feats to activist campaigns, scientific advances to community outreach.
This two-book Canadian Black history set highlights not only the sacrifices made in the quest for freedom and justice, but also the sense of kinship established between Black figures and their various triumphs in Canada and abroad.
About the Author
Dorothy W. Williams, Ph.D., specializes in Black Canadian history. She has authored books and contributed to scholarly and academic publications. Her first book, Blacks in Montreal: 1628-1986 An Urban Demography (1989) explores racism in Montreal’s housing market. It was translated to French in 1998. In 1997, Dr. Williams published a historical chronology titled The Road to Now: A History of Blacks in Montreal. She has also contributed book chapters and numerous periodical articles on Black Canadians.
With the objective of making Black history accessible for all, Dr. Williams’ long-term research has developed popular reference materials about Black Canadians. In 2006, she established Blacbiblio.com Inc. to create a comprehensive record of their historical presence in the country. Then in 2016, she embarked on a new entrepreneurial venture, launching the bilingual ABC’s of Canadian Black History Kit to facilitate the teaching of Canada’s unknown Black history. With her unique historical knowledge in demand, Dr. Williams has consulted on several films, plays, tv documentaries, and radio productions. She also researched and wrote the content for various websites and is a historical consultant to museums and historical associations.
Dr. Williams has acquired over 20 years of work and volunteer experience within the community, in particular as a community archivist. Her Sankofa Archives and Collection is the foundation of her research in history, identity and race, art history, gender, family, history of medicine, biography, community development, entrepreneurship, and education.
Today, Professor Williams teaches at Concordia University’s Loyola College for Diversity and Sustainability.
About the Illustrator
Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Joseph Osei Bonsu has always been captivated by the world of visual arts. Inspired by the comic books and animated shows he grew up watching, he pursued his passion by enrolling in Sheridan College’s Art Fundamentals program, followed by Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology, where he specialized in Digital Media Arts and 3D Animation.
Throughout his career, Joseph has applied his creative talents across various industries, working with notable organizations such as CBC, CIBC, TD Canada Trust, ArtXperiential, and the City of Toronto. He is also the co-founder of Heroes of the World (HOTW Studios), a freelance art and creative studio he launched with his long-time friend and collaborator Mark Williams. Through HOTW Studios, Joseph produces original artwork, designs, and creative content—with a signature focus on celebrating global culture through a universe of heroes and villains representing different countries around the world.
In addition to his work in comics and design, Joseph illustrated Race with Me, a children’s book written by Robert Budd and Canadian Olympic sprinter Andre DeGrasse.