From the early 1900s to the present, Black communities in Winnipeg have built lives, families,
institutions, businesses, and networks of care while navigating exclusion, racism, and systemic
barriers. This exhibition recognizes Black presence, achievement, advocacy, and contribution
as an essential part of Winnipeg’s history—a history that has too often been overlooked,
minimized, or left out of the public record.
Black Winnipeggers were not simply workers in the city’s development; they were community
builders. Railway porters and their families, including those connected to CN and CP, helped
establish some of the earliest networks of Black life in Winnipeg. Organizations such as the Order
of Sleeping Car Porters, Menelik Lodge No. 528, churches, social clubs, businesses, and
community organizations created spaces for mutual support, leadership, education, advocacy,
and economic opportunity.
Faith communities such as Pilgrim Baptist Church provided spiritual grounding as well as places
to gather, organize, and care for one another. Social spaces—from community picnics to
businesses and gathering places such as Haynes Chicken Shack—created opportunities for
connection, culture, and joy. Housing communities, including the Sutherland housing complexes
and later Harambee Affordable Housing, provided important spaces where Black families could
establish roots and build community.
Women, youth, workers, elders, professionals, entrepreneurs, artists, and community
leaders have all shaped this story. Women contributed through organizations through work in
education, health, social reform, and community development. Youth initiatives, including the
Afro-Canadian Youth Centre and Girl Guide groups in Winnipeg’s North End, nurtured identity,
creativity, leadership, and belonging...

​

To read the rest of the exhibition statement, click here.