Black History Month: Tell us about outstanding black Canadians

Pint-sized pianist Daniel Clarke Bouchard, 12, from Saint-Lambert, Quebec, has already played Carnegie Hall in New York City. Tell us about amazing black Canadians in your community.(Valerie Clarke)


UPDATE: Read the submissions here: CBC readers salute inspiring black Canadians


February is Black History Month, a time to reflect on the stories, experiences, and accomplishments of Canada's black community.

The 28-day celebration highlights the accomplishments of well-known black Canadians, past and present, who have made major contributions to Canada's culture and legacy.

In thinking about our nations best and brightest, several luminaries come to mind, including: former Governor General Michaëlle Jean, jazz legend Oscar Peterson, Olympic gold medalist Donovan Bailey, parliamentarian Lincoln Alexander, formerly enslaved Black Loyalist Richard Pierpoint, and award-winning opera singer Measha Brueggergosman -- to name only a few.

But there are also black Canadians making a difference at the community level everyday: they are teachers, doctors, musicians, scientists, business owners, activists, academics and parents that help make this country a better place every day.

Black history is not confined to textbooks. Many ordinary heroes are breaking barriers and shaping lives everyday.

We want to hear about the amazing black Canadians in your community. Tell us their names, what they do, and why they inspire you. We ask that you keep your submission under 200 words and send us a photo of the person to go with your story.

Please send submissions to community@cbc.ca with the subject line "Black History Month: community hero" or upload your story to our member pages. 

We will be compiling the best stories and photos into a special gallery.

Related:

• Daniel Clarke Bouchard, piano prodigy
• Check out 'human library book' Measha Brueggergosman, opera singer
• Check out 'human library book' Shad, Canadian rapper
• Oliver Jones honoured with a stamp
  

CBC is proud to support the 5th Annual TD Then & Now series, an exciting line-up of cultural events in celebration of Black History Month in cities across Canada.

Here's a video profile of Jonathon Emile, who survived a rare form of bone cancer, posted by our friends at CBC Montreal. The hip-hop artist is taking his musical show on Black history to Montreal high schools.