Ontario Construction News staff writer
Retired Carpenters’ Union Local 27 President Chris Campbell is calling on Canadians to look beyond internationally known figures and place greater focus on the Black leaders and trade unionists who have shaped communities at home.
Speaking during a recent Toronto Community Benefits event recognizing Black History Month, Campbell highlighted the importance of celebrating local “nation builders,” pointing to figures such as Jean Augustine who have helped pave the way for future generations.
“What I want and what I’d like to see… is for us to recognize also just as much our local Canadian heroes,” Campbell said.
He referenced remarks made by Prime Minister Mark Carney, who spoke about this year’s Black History Month theme, focused on “honouring Black brilliance across generations from nation builders to tomorrow’s visionary.”
“I felt proud to hear the prime minister of Canada getting into that,” Campbell said, noting the recognition of the contributions Black Canadians have made to building the country.
Campbell, who introduced himself as a former president of Carpenters’ Union Local 27, said one of his proudest achievements has been giving back to the community.
“One of the things I’m most proud of is giving back to the community,” he said, invoking a quote from Maya Angelou: “When you get, give. When you learn, teach. Pay it forward.”
While acknowledging globally recognized figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Marcus Garvey, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali and Nelson Mandela, Campbell said the spotlight should also be directed closer to home.
“That is good and I’m proud of what they’ve done for their culture, their country… but what I want… is for us to recognize also just as much our local Canadian heroes,” he said.
He cited Canadian trailblazers including Lincoln Alexander, Viola Desmond and Michaëlle Jean, along with numerous trade union leaders and members who have contributed to the labour movement.
“These men are out there sacrificing. These men are out there walking the talk,” Campbell said. “Celebrate these men and women first. Acknowledge them.”
Campbell emphasized that, for trade unionists in particular, recognizing those who came before is essential.
“What’s even more significant as trade unionists is for us to celebrate… the folks whose shoulders we’re standing on — our local heroes from our Black community,” he said.
