This is an annual activity which BCSF volunteers pair local schools with Black Canadian professionals as guest speakers.

The goal is to share the contributions of Black Canadians to the fabric of this country we call home.

The BCSF has been facilitating black professionals to give presentations on the contributions of blacks to history since 1997.


In the past, some of our distinguished guest speakers included:

• Dr. Horace Alexis, founder of BCSF. First ever Black doctor in Petrolia Ontario in 1968. Held a successful practice on Main street in Ottawa for over 30 years. Former Board Member at community Foundation. He made presentations at several schools starting in 1997, including Vincent Massey Public School, Gladstone Adult High School, Charles H. Hulse Public School, etc.
• John Harewood was born in Barbados and educated in St. Michael's, before coming to Canada in 1958. He studied classics at the University of Toronto (Trinity College), then went to Hopedale, Labrador, in 1961 where he worked as principal of the community school. He returned to Toronto in 1963, to do graduate work. In 1966 he moved to Ottawa, where he was visiting lecturer and later assistant professor at the University of Ottawa. He taught part-time at Algonquin College and done the occasional briefing at CIDA.


• Michel Decoste has made Canada his home since the 1970s. Mr. Decoste has been a grade school teacher for several decades, having taught French at St-Martin de Porres and Blessed Kateri.


• Thomas Barber is the grandson of the first black man in Ottawa. He has made several presentations over the years, including one at Riverview, Mgr. Baxter and Alta Vista schools in 2003.


• Judge Fraser graced Robert E. Wilson school with his presence in 2003.


• Mr. Dennis Waithe, distinguished public servant, graced Sir Robert Borden school with his presence in 2003.


• John and Dr. Shirley Braithwaithe graced Carleton Heights school with his presence in 2003.


• Mr. Biotel Bocretion, a former BCSF recipient, graced Ridgemont High School with his presence in 2003.

• Mr. Adrian Harewood (Journalist and host of CBC Radio's "All in a day")
• Ms. Sarah Onyango (Journalist, Translator, Radio and TV Host)
• Ms. Rachel Décoste (Software Engineer, Motivational Speaker)

Most recently, in 2009, our roster included:

• Mr John Harewood (Former University professor)
• M. Ted Guillaume. (FSL Teacher, retired)
• Janice Anderson (Musicologist)
• Thomas Barber (grandson of the first Black family in Ottawa)
• Mr. Patrick Martin (Civil servant)
• M. Yves Antoine (Poete, écrivain, et enseignant au niveau collégial et universitaire)

In 2010, our roster included:

• The first black person to run for mayor of Ottawa in 2003 (finished 3rd).
• An editorial columnist for Ottawa Sun at age of 19. (Authored over 100 columns.)
• A former national TV show host on CPAC
• A Special Advisor to Governor General Michaelle Jean
• An immigrant who arrived in Toronto in 1969
• A graduate of Computer Programming at Control Data Institute - Toronto
• Radio host at CHUO Ottawa University community radio
• A person 3 months away from a degree in B. Com. @ U Ottawa
• A former Director of a Postal Facility @ Canada Post
• An Assistant Professor in Dept of Sociology and Anthropology
• The first Black student graduate from the Algonquin College as Chef de Cuisine.
• First ever Black medical doctor in Petrolia, ON. 1968.
• A retired teacher.
• A speechwriter for Governor General Michaelle Jean
• A recipient of the Governor General's Award for Highest Academic Achievement (Dawson College)
• A former advisor to Prime Minister Jean Chretien.
• A Carleton U graduate student (Masters in Legal Studies)
• A 2008 federal election candidate
• A teacher at the University of Ottawa -- Telfer MBA
• The first person to open Caribbean restaurant in Ottawa
• A newcomers' Information Officer
• A lawyer

• 2010 Press Release
• List of volunteer presenters 2010 English | French