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The Canadian Negro Women's Club (CNWC)

The Canadian Negro Women's Club (CANEWC) was a social and political organization founded in Toronto in the 1950s. It originated from a group of friends who called themselves the Dilettantes, but whose interest was limited to social activities. The transformation of the Dilettantes into the CANEWC was inspired by Kay Livingstone, a professional television and radio actor from Ottawa who joined the group and urged them to take a more active role in improving the conditions of Black youth and the Black community in Toronto.

Formation of the CANEWC

The Canadian Negro Women's Club (CNWC), later changed to Canadian Negro Women's Association (CNWA), was formed in Toronto in 1951. With the purpose " to be aware of, appreciate and further the merit of the Negroes of Canada." The founding members of the club included Kay Livingstone (President), Aileen Williams (Executive Recording Secretary), and Audrey Grayson (Treasurer). Under Livingstone's leadership, the CANEWC became a platform for promoting the merits of Black Canadian community and advocating for social justice and equal opportunities. The organization focused on educational initiatives, such as raising funds for scholarships and bursaries for young women, arranging events dedicated to sharing Black history. On March 15th, 1958, the Association held its first Annual Banquet to coincide with the first Canadian Negro History Week.

The Canadian Negro Women's Association (CNWA) was committed to advancing the education of young Black women in Canada. One of the ways they achieved this was through their scholarship program. The CNWA offered scholarships to deserving students who were pursuing post-secondary education. The scholarships were available to Black women who were Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and who had been accepted to a recognized college or university program. The criteria for selection for selection included academic achievement, financial need, community involvement, and leadership potential.

The CNWA's scholarship program was an important part of their efforts to promote education and support the aspirations of young Black women. It was also an important way for the organization to demonstrate their commitment to advancing the status and opportunities of Black Canadians in general.

Objectives and Achievements of the CANEWC

One of the notable achievements of the CANEWC was the establishment of Calypso Carnival, a fundraising event that became a precursor of the present day Caribana festival. In 1955, the Canadian Negro Women's Association (CNWA) launched their first annual Calypso Carnival, which celebrated Caribbean music, cuisine, and culture to raise funds for their scholarship program. This event showcased local musicians, a bazaar, and offered a selection of Caribbean delicacies. The Calypso Carnival continued to be a success between 1955 and 1964, attracting over 4,000 people each year in its later years, Verda Cook, a former CNWA president who served on Caribana's first board of directors, remarked in Lawrence Hill's history of the CNWA that "The Calypso Carnival was a forerunner to Caribana... the idea definitely inspired Caribana."

An undated poster advertising the Calypso Carnival was hand-painted by commercial artist Borden Navis, who also created ads for the Toronto Spring Garden Show, Eaton's and the Royal Winter Fair. The carnival raised thousands of dollars to support Black youths' education in Toronto and became an important cultural celebration for the Black community. The CNWA played a crucial role in establishment of Congress of Black Women of Canada in 1973, which aimed to advance the well-being of Black women and their families local and national communities through advocacy efforts and a focus on the rights and concerns of Black Canadian women. The organization sought to connect Black Canadian and Caribbean Canadian women while acknowledging their cultural and political differences. They aimed to articulate the historical linkages between these groups and recognize the complexities and contradictions of being Black and female in Canada. From April 6th - 8th, 1973, the Canadian Negro Women's Association hosted its first National Congress of Black Women event, marking a significant milestone in their history of service and activism.

Kay Livingstone's Legacy

Kay Livingstone died suddenly in 1974, leaving behind a significant influence on several organizations, such as the National Congress of Black Women of Canada and the Women's Section of the United Nations Association, now known as the United Way. She was the originator of the term "visible minority" which became on organizing for CANEWC members to challenge unfair institutional practices in education, policing and immigration. The CANEWC and Kay Livingstone made significant contributions to the Black community in Canada, particularly in promoting social justice and celebrating Black culture. Their legacy continues to inspire new generations of activists and community leaders.

Presidency of Aileen Williams

Aileen Williams, a former member of the Dilettantes, became the president of CANEWC for two terms, in 1953-1954 and 1973-1974. The organization continued to promote the interests and welfare of Black women and children in Canada until it disbanded in the 1980s.