Renee White

My name is Renee and I am Canadian-Jamaican born and raised in Montreal. I am participating in this project because I feel it is important to learn about the city’s history, the part that is not often discussed. This journey of discovery will not only allow me to learn about the past but also grant me the opportunity and responsibility to recount an important part of Black history in my city. Montreal’s Black history is important because it is a reminder of where we are coming from. Understanding the struggles of those before us, helps unite us. I feel more connected to my community knowing how far we have come through the various challenges. I am covering chapter six. The timeline for this chapter covers the 1950’s, a time of early immigration which gave rise to the Negro Citizenship Association (NCA). This chapter also explores Montreal’s popular Jazz artists and nightclubs and their influences in the city.