Fonds 11.003, 15.014, 16.015, 17.008 - Congress of Black Women of Manitoba Inc. fonds

On International Women’s Day, March 8, 1981, the Congress of Black Women of Manitoba Inc. was officially created. The non-profit organization, based out of Winnipeg, Manitoba, is also referred to as the Congress of Black Women (Manitoba Chapter) and the Congress of Black Women of Canada (Manitoba Chapter). 

The Congress of Black Women of Manitoba Inc. traces its history to 1951 and the creation of the Canadian Negro Women’s Association (CANEWA) in Toronto. CANEWA was created by a small group of mostly Canadian born Black women. Dynamic human rights activist Kay Livingston was CANEWA’s first president and founder. She had a vision of building a united network of Black women. From 1951 to its dissolution in 1976, CANEWA served as one of the most active and organized Black organizations in Canada. During its tenure, CANEWA advocated for, and experienced, massive legal and social change for Black people living in Canada. CANEWA initially served primarily as a social organization, but became increasingly oriented towards social activism. 1973 served as a turning point for CANEWA when they organized their first national conference, which was held in Toronto under the banner the National Congress of Black Women, and was attended by over 200 people. Subsequent national Congresses were held across Canada, including Montreal (1974), Halifax (1976) and Windsor (1977). In 1980, during the national meeting in Winnipeg, the Congress of Black Women of Canada was formally created with the ratification of its constitution and the election of its National Executive. With the inception of the National Congress, came the creation of regional chapters in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Manitoba.