Honoring Black history in parks

Vancouver Citizen of the Century: Credited with saving at least 29 lives from drowning, including adults and children, as well as teaching three generations of Vancouver children to swim, Joe was formally declared the Vancouver Citizen of the Century by the Vancouver Historical Society in 1986.

In 1910, The City of Vancouver recognized him as the first English Bay lifeguard after the Park Board decided to create such a post and made him a special constable, qualifying him to carry a revolver. He was presented with a gold watch and certificate in recognition for his faithful service.

In 1927, a Memorial Drinking Fountain was erected at Alexandra Park facing the beach where he had served as guardian and swimming teacher for over 20 years.

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​​​​​​​BC Black History Awareness Society

Fastest man on earth: The Harry Jerome International Track Classic is held annually in honour of Harry Jerome. He inspired a generation of Canadians and has a legacy of athletic excellence and commitment to youth and sport.

In 1988, the people of British Columbia commemorated his personal accomplishments and social contributions by erecting a nine-foot statue in Stanley Park. The statue stands a few hundred metres from Brockton Oval where Harry trained for the world records he set and the medals he won.

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​​​​​​​BC Black History Awareness Society

Provincial legislator: Emery Barnes was elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in 1972 as the first member in the double-member riding of Vancouver Centre, along with former MLA Gary Lauk. He and Lauk were re-elected in 1975, 1979, and 1983. In 1986 after Lauk’s retirement, Emery was joined by Mike Harcourt.

In 1991, he was elected to the revised single-member riding of Vancouver-Burrard. At that time he was appointed Deputy Speaker of the Legislature. In March of 1994, he became the first Speaker in BC to be elected by a secret ballot of the MLAs.

In 2003, the Park Board named a park in his memory at 1100 Seymour Street.

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BC Black History Awareness Society

Passionate dedication: Barbara Howard was the first Black woman athlete representing Canada in an international competition. 

It was during high school that Barbara demonstrated her remarkable and unprecedented speed. In 1938, she was a member of the Canadian Track Team, representing Canada at the British Empire Games in Sydney Australia.

In 2010, she received a Remarkable Woman Award from the Park Board for "her passionate dedication to inspire others to make a positive difference in their community."

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BC Black History Awareness Society