Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rosemary Sadlier. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Rosemary, appreciate you joining us today. Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

Having a lifelong interest in Black History, I was nominated to the board of the only Provincial Heritage Organization in Canada with a focus on Black History, and quickly became the President. With the scant resources we had, I needed to roll up my sleeves to ensure that the mandate of the organization was achieved. This propelled me into providing as many as 2000 talks in schools, corporations and community settings as well as handling requests from media. Extending the work of the founders and with the community of interest I had built up, and further building on the organizational mandate, I was successful at initiating the formal & annual commemoration of February as Black History Month with Toronto, then Ontario, all provinces and ultimately the entire country of Canada by Dec. 1995! I had also begun to follow the same process to have August 1st as Emancipation Day which marks the abolition of slavery in Canada (and internationally) commemorated with immediate success in Toronto by 1994/5, but it took until March 2021 for it to be recognized across Canada! I sought formal recognitions as a way to raise awareness and brand the organization. But more needed to be done to move from history to action around present day matters. I did not come up with the idea, it found me! Now I am a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consultant in order to amplify this movement.

Rosemary, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

After 25 years with a the only Black History focussed Provincial Heritage Organization in Canada providing over 2000 talks, creating scores of exhibits, planning major events and advocacy, as well as writing Black History books, I moved into Diversity, Equity and Inclusion consulting to continue to address the need for change. I am so very proud of my work advocating and initiating the formal commemoration of February as Black History Month because it provides an opportunity to learn and share. I am thrilled that my initiative to have August 1st as Emancipation Day confirmed at every level of government in Canada, I am the Opal Lee of Canada! My efforts on Emancipation Day began in 1994/5 but took until 2021 to become national. I maintained my resilience, I pushed to have this commemorated even when I was not with any organization – I did it as myself. As a strong, Black woman! I had already been branding myself, working for representation of people of African descent and as an ally to so many other groups which helped to brand ‘me’ as an authentic, passionate, skilled and compelling woman. I care about the things I have pushed for. I have built on and honour the ancestors as I help to create a more positive space for the coming generations.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Heading a non-profit organization is a challenge in the best of times, however, as a mother of three with a partner and all of the usual household responsibilities, I accepted the move into the presidency. Soon, the low government funding to the organization was cut by 90% meaning that no Executive Director could be maintained and other staff had reduced hours. The work of the brand still had to be carried out and as the President, often that meant I was carrying out the duties of an Executive Director not because I was about control, but because they just needed to be done for the brand of the organization. It was a challenge to secure staff with the low pay possible and volunteers did not or could not commit to the time required for some functions to be carried out. Because of my commitment, passion and resilience, with some board support, I was able to hold the space of the only Black History organization in Canada for years. Had I thrown in the towel, the organization would no longer be there, and I was not going to let that happen. A return to ‘regular’ funding would not take place for several years.

Is there a mission driving your creative journey?

Diverse representation in schools, in media and in public spaces was limited for my parents, for myself and I was shocked to be reminded, also for my children. This realization happened at about the same time I was appointed as the President. I felt I had a platform and a precious legacy to move forward and to protect. I felt I had to do all that I could do in order to make a difference. I headed the only Black History organization, I created curriculum, I planned events, I wrote 7 books on Black History, I sought historical recognitions of people, places and events, I attended all possible events carrying out community outreach to all communities. I was and still am driven to do what I can to affirm African Canadians/African Americans, the African Diaspora, the “BIPOC” and all groups who have been underrepresented. I am passionate about making the changes that will benefit us all. Advocacy. Awareness. Education. Diversity. Equity Inclusion. I have travelled internationally as a speaker, consultant and advocate. The pandemic curtailed my journey briefly, but with various social media platforms, I can work with your organization or speak with anyone globally!

Contact Info:

• Website: about.me/rosemarysadlier
• Instagram: rosemarysadlier
• Facebook: Rosemary Sadlier
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/rosemary-sadlier-oont-55a76112
• Twitter: RosemarySadlier
• Other: SELECTED SADLIER TITLES/NOTABLES: SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER: https://sttpcanada.ctf-fce.ca/lessons/rosemary-sadlier/ Sadlier, R., et. al. (2019), Black History: Africa, the Caribbean and the Americas: Halifax, Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute ​[Selected by the Writer’s Union of Nova Scotia as significant in Feb. 2022]​Sadlier, R,. Harriet Tubman: Freedom Seeker, Freedom Leader, Dundurn Press https://www.dundurn.com/books_/t22117/a9781459701502-harriet-tubman Sadlier, R., The Kids Book of Black Canadian History, KidsCanPress https://www.amazon.ca/Kids-Book-Black-Canadian-History/dp/1554535875 ​[An award winning, bestseller]​https://www.toronto.com/opinion/order-of-ontario-recipient-rosemary-sadlier-as-tenacious-as-ever/article_c8f9f47f-31e5-5c1c-9717-3cf2c383caad.html? https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/12/08/artwork-commemorates-role-of-black-church-in-torontos-history.html?fbclid=IwAR0TYkhmJoBI1G8_TQB_6aLbNfB7dzRoJJs-g8RrHjH_RiuvHzie7ZqxneM

Image Credits
All of these photos are my own. In one, I am with the Prime Minister of Canada – Justin Trudeau In another – I am with former President Barack Obama In another (hair up/navy dress) I have just been honoured with the highest recognition in Ontario called the Order of Ontario Others show me speaking or are head shots